Whip it, Whip it good!

Daonarletie! That means what's up dude/hows it hangin'/dona(knuckles/bones/pound it) 

Alright, so to explain the title, President Adams is whipping this mission into shape lately. He has us wearing proselyting clothes on p day and everything. It's crazy.  But, I am looking forward to the added blessing that come with obedience so I am all over it. I think that is interesting. Although his Christmas present won’t get worn much now.  Maybe he will sleep in it.

Ok, so we taught the R family again this past week a couple times. The last time we decided we wanted to give them a book of Mormon but we were teaching the plan of salvation so we did a little stretching and gave a short overview of what the BOM is and gave it to them, then used it in the lesson. Dadabe (that means grandpa) said he would read the book until he didn't even have to look at it, or until he knew it. The phrase in Malagasy means the same thing. So that was super sick! (when did sick become his new word?)  I looked over at one point in the lesson and he had started reading in 1st Nephi and was looking up cross references in the bible and everything. I am so so so excited for this family. Bebe (grandma) came to church again this week too, and she brought all the little kids and a couple of the adults came too, Dadabe couldn't come though because he is sick about every other day with something called "being an 84 year old man in Madagascar" but he is way interested. Bebe was asking questions and answering them and everything during gospel principles class too, so that is super sick! They have a baptism date for the beginning of December too, so hopefully that works out well. 

Another guy we are teaching we found through a lame investigator, his name is Michael. We are teaching a girl named Ireny and one day our member help bailed on us so we went and said sorry we can't teach today unless there is a guy home that can sit in on the lesson. There was, and Michael was he. Michael is way sick, he plays basketball and knows the bible pretty well, but not nearly as well as he said he did haha but he is super cool! We saw him on the street between times and he says "I finished the book (the restoration pamphlet) can I have another one?" We were like heck yeah you can! So we brought a Joseph Smith story pamphlet to the next lesson and gave that to him. I bet he has read it already, we are teaching him again on Tuesday. 

Oh! A little while ago we ate at a place called Shawarma city, and they took our picture and said they would put it on facebook. So yeah, see if it is on there. I think that was my first week in country actually. 

Hmm, well I think that is it for now. I sent out a few letters to cousins and I'm constantly writing more so don't be mad if you don't get a letter from me right away haha I'm pretty backed up on those. Also this cyber isn't very good so I can't get pictures home this week, sorry Mom. 

Love you all! Read the scriptures! Especially 2 Nephi, and Alma, and Jacob was sick too. Actually just read the whole thing. Don't read it just to read it though, mark scriptures, look at cross references and footnotes, and think about what you're reading. It's amazing, the scriptures are literally a gold mine. Ok, not literally, but spiritually. 

Hey Mom! I just am gonna say that I did read all of your email, and I do every week but much like you don't reply to my emails I haven't replied to yours really haha but I guess I am ok with two packages for Christmas. Some people get like 5 or 6 so don't think you're going to be that mom either. Great, maybe I should send more.  I love you! I don't know when you sent the last one, package, either haha but I'll let you know when I get it and send pictures of the opening and everything. 
I'm glad that work is going well, one thing I have definitely learned the value of on my mission is taking notes. Even if I never look at them again, which is usually, it helps me focus on what is going on and helps me remember. I started writing out lessons and spiritual thoughts and everything in a notebook before I do them, not looking at them or even having them there in the lesson but that way I have figured out exactly what I am gonna say before I go in but I can still make changes as the spirit directs. That is hard haha, recognizing what the spirit says to teach. Love that he knows to rely on the spirit! Anyway, my point originally was good job on taking notes at work. Anywho, I have a sick story to tell you in the big letter so I'll make you wait for that one. Love you!

Elder Galbreath ny fahadimy

1. The life skills thing. Grant asked if there were any life skills he wished we had taught him.
I don't know, I feel like you guys did a pretty dang good job of raising me. Whew! I find myself getting frustrated with people a lot, so I guess patience would have been a good thing to be better at, but I don't really blame you for that. My companion gets really irritated whenever I say anything about correcting something or asking him to do something differently, no matter how nicely I phrase it, but then he says "yeah, if I am doing something you don't like then just tell me, I can take it." so that is super frustrating. Incredibly so even. However, I know that I need to grow and learn to do things on my own, so I must have this companion for a reason. I know the lord won't give me more than I can handle, but sometimes I wish He didn't trust me so much. Mother Teresa quote there. Grant said-The patience thing is VERY hard. I mumble a LOT. Doesn't help, makes me feel better. I think you are smarter since you left. Garrett responded -Probably, but not through my own efforts haha I read the scriptures and pray a lot. Helps actually, sounds silly right? Who knew the prophets and apostles knew what they were talking about haha 

Since Grant works nights sometimes they "cheat" a little and happen to respond to each other’s emails.

2. I did get the family pictures attached from last week, thank you very much. However, the one of the whole family is the one I already have haha but I am gonna get the one of me and bubba printed off next week I think

Manana fanontanina ianao (he did not say what it means, again)

1) Tell me about the photos

I am trying to take one a day at least, which doesn't always happen but I only send the ones that are interesting home. Lots of boring lame pictures. 

                                          This doesn't look lame to me!

2) How are the investigators coming?

Investigators are coming pretty good, through circumstances beyond our control (agency say what?) most of them didn't come to church this Sunday. However, a new family came to church this week and they seem way interested! They are super cool, and the bebe (grandma) even listens. They usually don't. Rakotomalala is their name, way cool. Short name too, for a Malagasy family. 

3) Any fun activities going on at the house?

Not really, just sleeping mostly. We do that a lot. 

4) In the photos everything looks dirty?  Is there any grass anywhere?

The photos make it look dirty? That's really weird, nothing is dirty here. Everything is filthy. Nothing gets cleaned here except the inside of people’s houses and their clothes, and even those are left out to dry on the ground. And not really, there is very little grass anywhere, because they can't afford a lawn so any ground is either farmed or dirt. Pretty sick right? 

                          Look something green!! Rice Paddies they walk through.

5) How are your shoes holding up? They look well used already.

My shoes are champs. They get dirty every day, everywhere but they are holding up great. There is a guy here who is a year and a half in and has the same shoes as me and they are just starting to wear through the bottom. The upper still looks great though. 

6) Tell me a story.

That's not a question. I saw some puppies the other day though, and they were adorable. Pictures up. 

7) Most importantly, what is rule #3?

Rules are a lot harder to come up with than you would think haha so I don't know. I will keep you posted though. 

8) How are you doing with your personal money?    

I have pulled out I think 40 dollars so far, and that has been plenty. I figured out a new and better way to budget the money I get from the mission so I shouldn't have to do that much except for this place I found sells legit NBA jersey/short combos for 20 bucks american. Pretty sick. But I'm going to restrain myself to just a few of them. 

9) I am sure your mom is already warning you of the dangers of an all ramen diet but I am adding my 2 cents.  It is easy and good.  It is not nourishing.  You will get malnourished eating just ramen.  Also, please take extra care when cooking with raw meat.  Clean everything that it touches and wash your hands.  There isn't a USDA over there to make sure that it is bug free.  Cooking kills the bugs in the meat but not on the counters and utensils.  

I don't eat the ramen stuff that much really, just a lot those couple days. I know about cleaning too, everything gets hot water and soap and usually bleach too actually. Don't worry about me, (right, that's gonna happen) I am really doing good. 

10) Are you taking your daily pills for malaria? How about the vitamins?  Just worried about your physical health

Vitamins and malaria every day, I will not get malaria or any preventable disease! Go team pills! 

                                                Skyline and sunset.

Dogged again!

Hello and manahoana America peeps. This week was full of fun and exciting adventures, so sit back and remember, keep your arms and legs attached to your body at all times. 

So, Friday is where I'll start. Friday morning during our study time we got a call from one of our times times must be an appointment saying that they couldn't do it that day, but they rescheduled so it wasn't a huge deal. Then we went out to go to work and our first time dogged us, I don't think she is very serious because she does that every time. So we went tracting and found a guy we hadn't gotten ahold of a couple days earlier so we taught him and one of his daughters. Then we went to our next time, and he wasn't in. We couldn't find him but he called us later and rescheduled. So we just went to our next time, a recent convert and taught about enduring to the end. A member from the ward was supposed to meet us there and go with us the rest of the day, but he didn't show up. Then we went and taught the relative of V, I think her cousin or something. The whole family was all members and the whole time they wouldn't stop talking about baptism and how excited they are for her and blah blah blah and about halfway through the lesson she said she would be right back and promptly left. We waited a half hour before we gave up. She didn't come back. Then we got a call saying that another time couldn't do it. So we were pretty discouraged, and our member help didn't show up. But, we had a suare (dinner appointment) so we were still happy about that, and we even made brownies to take. We got there and they gave us some crackers on a plate and a small glass of fanta.  But whatever, I went home and made Sedaap. Delicious as always. 

Saturday morning we were excited because there was a service project in the morning at the church with the young men. So we showed up at nine, and there was no one there. Malagasies are notoriously late, so we weren't too concerned. Then at about 9:45 there was still no one there. Not even the leaders. The leaders didn't show up for their own activity.  We talked to the young mens president and he said he didn't go because he didn't think anyone else would. He was right, but that's still a pretty terrible attitude. Then we went out and taught a few lessons, one to be exact. Two times in a row didn't show up. Then we taught a lady who is way cool! About ten people in the room, all listening so intently to me explain the plan of salvation. Dadabe (grandpa) is way cool, and way mahay at the scriptures! He has read the bible like a million times, and he likes our lessons. He doesn't go to church because he says they aren't going with the bible. I don't think he has a problem with the book of mormon either. So I am way pumped for that! Then we went to go to a dinner with a member family. Always good food when we go there. Unfortunately, they weren't home. So we had to go home and have, you guessed it, sedaap. Good stuff, but it gets old when it's two meals a day of the stuff. Next letter to him will be about how eating this too much is not healthy. Then Sunday we went to church, which went really well from what I understood, which isn't much. I guess the Bishop was tearing people up (so to speak) for not doing their duties and helping the missionaries. Awesome, and exactly what they need. Most places need a call to repentance, Madagascar needs a call to arms. Goes very well with David A Bednar's talk from this April I believe. Look it up, it's sick. Speaking of him, when he talks you make sure to listen. He doesn't really stand out as far as voice or intensity like Holland and Uchtdorf, but if you listen to what he says you will feel the spirit. I promise you that. Anywho, Sunday our first time bailed on us, they were at a concert. So we went tracting for a little while, and then our next time called and bailed on us too. So we tracted and contacted people until six when we went and taught F and his family. The Lord is blessing us with them right now, they are so excited to learn, they are coming to church, and he wants to get baptized  I am excited for them, and they are taking to heart everything we teach them. Sunday night was interesting, we taught this lady who helped translate the Book of Mormon into Malagasy. She went inactive though, so we are trying to get her to come to church. She doesn't listen to a thing we say. She knows she has no reason for not coming, and she knows that the church she is going to isn't true, she said so herself, but she won't come back. The only reason we go at all is because it's our ward mission leader's mom. We really like him, his name is M. Oh the life of a missionary.

Alright, so here they have something called rano pango. It's burnt rice water, I don't know if I have told you about it before. They cook their rice in pots over a fire, and they always burn it on the bottom. So they add water to the burnt rice, and boil it, then they drink that. It's not very good, it just tastes like dirty rice. But they love it. They also have a thing called ronono soja. It's like soy milk, but they heat it up. I don't know if it's different from there, because I never drank soy milk before that. But it is friggin' delicious! I bought a liter and a half of it, and I heat it up with my breakfast in the morning. So good. They sell it on the street for a hundred ariary a glass, that's a nickel american. Then you can get mofo (pronounced moof) balls and some cutlasses at another street vendor and for a buck you have a very wonderful little snack. I could get so fat on cutlasses and mofo balls. 

Life rule for Madagascar 2: Eat street food, it's delicious. 

                                                Sweet breads from a street vendor

1) How are your investigators progressing?  Any new ones?

Our investigators are going pretty good, after the baptism we don't have anyone getting baptized until like December. We are teaching a lady named O right now, she is super cool. Way diligent, and all her kids are members so she knows all about the church. Her husband just wouldn't let her join the church before. Luckily for her soul, they are splitting up so she is learning now! She is super super cool and loves the gospel. Unfortunately the rule is that you have to come to church for two months before you can be baptized. So we are just teaching and waiting. 

2) You said you had pasta there.  Did that mean macaroni noodles too?

Yeah there are macaroni noodles to be had, but cheese is a joke here. It's either ridiculously expensive or it's just rotten milk that they mold into a circle. We call it butt cheese. 

3) Loved your story any other funny happenings?

Nothing too funny this week really, although McLaughlin fell on his butt in the apartment the other day. We were throwing darts and he did really bad so he ran up to kick the wall or something and his slippers slipped on the floor and he hit the ground hard. I almost cried I laughed so hard. 

4) It is turning into sweatshirt weather here.  Is the rain starting there yet?  Spring time right?

It rained a little one day, but it's mostly just sweat your brains out weather right now. I am packing my rain jacket though because supposedly the rainy season starts sometime this month. 

5) Any scriptures speak to you this week?

Um, I read the parable of the vineyard again. Still don't understand it enough to write anything about it. That stuff is deep. I did read King Benjamin's address though. That is such an amazing speech. It's almost exactly like a general conference. 

6) What are you doing today?

Well, today we are going to Analakely to find my Durant jersey that we couldn't track down last time, then we are going to go to lunch somewhere, then going grocery shopping, maybe heading to the office but probably not, then back home and off to work. Should be pretty fun. I think I'm gonna buy some bread or something to snack on at the episcerie across from here until lunch. 

Love you! Life story to come. 

Dads questions

1) What is the life rule number 2 for your mission?

Hmm. They are a lot harder to come up with than you would think. I will ponder on it and get it on the end of my life story letter. 

2)Tell me more about what is it like when you walk around.  Do the people just stop and stare?  You mentioned that the kids are rude.

It's not usually that bad, but everyone says bonjour to us because they assume we are french and they call us faza because we are white. It gets pretty annoying but I deal. Lots of people stare, especially on the taxi be rides, and I usually just stare back. Pretty funny to me, like saying fromage for pictures. They don't get it but I laugh every time. Everyone wants to sell us stuff, but no one wants to be nice to us. A lady last week in Analakely was helping McLaughlin find some pants and in the process said that Joseph Smith "tentena foana" which means empty words, or basically that he was full of crap. I just looked at her like are you serious? But the people here just don't understand that they shouldn't bite the hand that feeds them. That's why no countries are helping them right now. France helped them out at the beginning and they kicked them out of the country. France also used this place as a toilet but that's another story. Then the last president was working with South Africa, England, and America to get help and the country was starting to go places. Then the new guy bought up a small army and overthrew the government. Now, because he broke the  law, no one is helping them out and the country is sinking deeper and deeper into their own poo river. Just ridiculous. 

3) Anything else you care to share with me?  Is there anything I can do for you?

Um, I don't think so. I would really appreciate some family pictures, just email them to me and I can put them on my card and get them printed off for like 15 cents a picture. It's super cheap and I can see my family more! haha I only have one picture of all of us. Other than that no, but I didn't get an email from Wyatt about how homecoming went so I don't know whats up with that.

One more thing real quick, I guess for the Christmas package to be sure to get here in time you should send them now, or very soon. I promise to even wait until Christmas morning to open it. Love you! Email me pictures!

                  This is Leon, a kid he really likes.  He said his shirt was filthy after this though.

Lohatena (My mom told me to write an email title on these so I did and this is it)

Ha-ha that just means title ha-ha but you wanted a title so there. The working title can be "My Mom told me to write an email title on these so I did and this is it" that one is dope. funny boy!

Alright, so just a couple short stories and then I will let you post up all my amazing answers to questions. 

Ok. First story. There is a tree by the church building, and it has these weird little fruits. So I climbed the tree and ate a bunch of them. They were way good! Tart and kind of sour but still delicious. Then I realized that the top of the tree was at roof level. Then I realized that Elder McLaughlin was already on the roof taking all the good fruit from there. So I hurried up to the roof and grabbed some fruit. I didn't get sick or anything from that, but I had a very gassy stomach for the rest of the day. Pretty dope. 

Speaking of gassy, we went to teach this investigator named F. We started with a hymn, and then I asked who they wanted to pray. They asked me to pray, and so I started the prayer. I literally said the addressing part, (Ry Ray any-andanitra) and this kid lets out the loudest, wettest fart you can imagine coming from a four year old. I was trying so hard not to laugh, and I finally had it under control so I could keep praying. Then just as I start talking again McLaughlin can't hold it all in and so I hear him laughing and it all starts over again. Ridiculous. 

Alright that's it. Love you all! 

1) I sent a package last week, let me know when you get it so I have an idea how long it takes.  (Not really a question just a statement)Are you glad I told you, now you can be excited for 6-8 weeks?

1a) what do you want in your Christmas package?  For you?  Things to share with the people of Mada?  

Hmm. I think I need a Christmas tree. Just a little baby one, but they don't have them here. OK Mom G is a genius.  She was just telling me she sent one to Daniel and so I was actually looking up miniature trees last night.  Thanks Mom! Also a Santa hat for around the house in December. I don't really know what else I need, you can just divide up what I asked for last time I guess, and you know me. Deodorant would be nice though, they don't sell normal deodorant here. Weird right?  Maybe this is why he said it smelled there? Yeah, and pictures from home! Like the family pictures I still haven't seen any of. You can email me those too actually; I can look at pictures on here and even print them off actually, but that costs money so I won't print off too many.

1b)  what are some things your housemates/companion like so I can send then something too.

Um, they like soccer Elder McLaughlin especially. I am planning on doing some Christmas shopping for them around here though and I don't know where I will be at Christmas actually, because those transfers happen right before Christmas. So don't worry about them, if you send me some cookie mix and maybe frosting? They will be plenty grateful for that. 

2) So how exactly did you lose your Captain America doll?  Sorry action figure?

Alright story time. Gather round. Alright so first full day in country. Don't understand literally anything anyone says but I am trying really hard. This lady walks up and sees my backpack on the ground with Cap riding in the mesh pocket on the strap. She says something that I don't understand and points at it, but I don't know what she said so I just kind of smile at her. I thought she said she liked it. American mind, thinking I get compliments. Then she grabs it and gives it to her kid. In about half a second I realized what had just happened. She had said "can I take?" in very, very poor English with a ridiculously heavy accent, and I had been expecting Malagasy so I didn't know what she was saying. She took my smile as a yes. Crap. So the Captain America actions figure I had planned to keep with me my entire mission was gone to some street kid on the first morning in country. Dope. 

3) Tell me about something fun you experienced

Not that ^ that's for sure. The living room ping pong match I think was the best thing as far as fun goes here ha-ha although we played "valo mafinaritra" with a less active family and I totally dominated.

3a) something spiritual?

Hmm. Well, I don't get much out of church, that's for sure. We taught this guy named F though, and he wants to learn really badly. His wife is an inactive member, and they are so cool! We were talking about the word of wisdom, and we read D&C 89 the whole way through, and he got really quiet for a second. We let him think, then he looked us right in the eye and he said "I want to get baptized. What do I need to do?" So much spirit in that room. It was almost palpable. 

3b) something different we would not experience here.

Um, everything? Ha-ha it's like another planet here. Women have absolutely no shame about breastfeeding. At all. In the middle of the lesson, in church, front row before their own baptism, doesn't matter. Also people pee everywhere. People pull over their scooters, and pee off the side of the road. Everywhere and anywhere. And it's not weird. 

4) What is on your mind lately?

Mostly the language. I have been thinking about Christmas a lot lately actually, and I have decided to be the best housemate ever at Christmas time. I freaking love Christmas and I didn't realize that until they don't really celebrate it here. I will not give up my Christmas. 

  

5) How was the baptism?   Oh yeah, Chase's went great except Daniel had to dunk him twice.  His toe popped up.  Daddy did a nice job but he cried when he was giving Chase the message from you.  He is such a baby, I never cry like that. (big grin here)  We had the party after and Dad won the day by giving him this video game he wanted.  Surprised are you?  He is such a spoiler.  He loves doing it though.  

The baptism was pretty cool; hardly anyone came though, five men and four women. Plus the people they brought with them.  But yeah, nothing exciting really. I told Dad about it a little too. 

He wasn't kidding when he said they were smaller people.

                                                 This is their baptismal font!

1) What is the best thing that happened to you this week?

The best thing that happened to me this week was probably the baptism! That was so cool; the best part was the members’ testimonies after they got baptized. Volasoa gave the typical "I know that what the missionaries taught me is true" testimony, but you could really tell she was feeling the spirit, and Marcelline blew me away! She got up and gave specific testimony about a few things and then she said (roughly translated) "I know the Book of Mormon is true because I prayed about it and I got an answer that it is true, and I know that Thomas S Monson (she remembered the prophets name! Huge deal here) is a true prophet because I prayed about it." Oh my gosh I was so freaking happy I almost cried. 

As far as things happening to me personally I don't really know, I finished second Nephi the other day, so that was pretty sweet. The last few chapters are like diamond encrusted in the gold of the rest of the scriptures. Freaking awesome. I'm going to go buy a Kevin Durant jersey/shorts combo today for 30,000 (about 15 bucks) if I can find the guy again. 

2) tell me a little more about the street food.  I understand about the cows tongue thing.  I had a similar experience at a members home in Korea, never ate that combination of food again or since.

The street food is actually way good, especially if you get it fresh. They mostly just have a fire going and a kettle of hot oil on top and they dump in bread dough with stuff in it, or they throw in little rolls, like egg rolls but full of noodles and stuff (so good). It's the stuff the members and investigators make for you that will give you trouble. They don't always cook it all the way through, and the rice is usually almost rotten because that's when it's the cheapest. So that can be shady but I have only been sick from food once, and I guess after a while your stomach develops extra walls of lining and a small army to fight all the nasty crap you put in it. Looking forward to that day.

3) I saw a video from Elder Moulton of the kids near the mission home.  They look a lot like the same kids that are in the article from LDS living about the church in Mada. 

Um, cool? I don't know if that's really a question or not ha-ha but the kids here are freaking adorable! So cute, especially Leon! I sent mom a picture of him last week, hopefully she showed you. He is like a freaking genius. He is reading the Book of Mormon. I can't even do that in Malagasy. He is so funny though, and he likes me too so that helps. 

  

4) Are you enjoying this experience? 

I am enjoying myself every now and then. I am trying to find a balance between being a super sick diligent missionary and not killing myself with the rules. I manage to have a pretty good time still though. It probably helps that I enjoy teaching ha-ha even though I'm not very good at it. Also English class is the highlight of my week, aside from p-day when I get to read your emails of course. I'm definitely not the same person I was pre-mission and I suspect I never will be again but! I am still me, and I am still awesome. No doubts there. Just learning to speak like these people is a challenge, and trying to be a missionary is never an easy task. I was looking through my planner from the MTC yesterday trying to find an email address (for Bro Sell) and I saw a quote I really liked. I thought I would share it with you. "Difficulty is one excuse that history has never accepted."-Benjamin Disraeli

5) Tell me two unique things that you did this week that we would be amazed at here.

Hmm. I lived in Madagascar, that's pretty amazing. I led a full lesson in Malagasy, about the Book of Mormon. That was pretty dope. I climbed a tree and picked fruit I have never even seen before and ate about two handfuls of it. They were roughly the size of strawberries, the shape of gourds, and the color and texture of oranges. They gave me the worst farts ever. I don't really know what else is interesting, stuff is starting to seem routine. I love you! 

1) Will you be able to watch conference in two weeks? 

 We don't get to watch it live, but they give us recordings a couple weeks after it that we get to watch so I will get to see it. I am so excited! I never realized how awesome general conference talks are. 

I am still alive!

I am good, I am still alive, even if only barely haha I haven't been sick since last time. That makes Mom happy to hear.  I rolled my ankle about four times in one day though, then while it was all swollen the next day I rolled it again. That hurt so bad; I tried wearing my ankle brace all day but at about six my foot started falling asleep, so that didn't work. So I just watch my step really carefully. I found my blog haha I like the title and the drummer guy with a tie on. We have two investigators getting baptized this Saturday, so excited! Elder McLaughlin is doing them though, so I just get to watch. Still excited!

My most spiritual experience: Well I'm not sure to be honest; I don't understand what anyone says. I will keep you posted though.

Interesting food: Um, nothing too interesting really. Sunday I realized I didn't have anything to eat really but I couldn't run to the episcerie because it was Sunday; SO I had plain pasta with some hot sauce on it, yum.  Ah, missionary spaghetti!!  What a treat.

Wildlife, not really. We saw a giant moth Saturday though. Super cool. Like the size of my calf, giant. I almost peed myself when I saw it, because I saw it about two inches in front of my face. Silly big. Got a picture of it on McLaughlins leg, I will send it next week, this computer is being dumb.

The kids are hilarious, but most of the time they just yell bonjour fahaza! and run. That gets old pretty fast. They are really good at making up games without having anything special though.  Lots of rocks and garbage used in their games.

We have been using Elder Austins soccer ball here, so no need for mine yet, but it's time will come. They just get ruined anyway, grass or turf fields are a joke here, it's all dirt.

Alright, I made a list of things for the package. I think my planned package just doubled.  Good thing holidays are coming. First, batteries. More triple A for the flashlights. I left my alarm clock in the MTC on accident so that would be nice, but if you are worried about it getting here or anything we are using the phone right now. I don't think I told you the story but on the first day I accidentally gave away my Captain America to a lady speaking very very poor english, so if you wanted to send a small one of those I wouldn't mind. A desk calender, like one of those single sheet ones that has the whole year on it, just so I can know the weeks and number dates would be nice. A small calculator for adding up shopping budget would be helpful. As far as mixes and stuff like that goes anything that doesn't require meat would be greatly appreciated. Meat is expensive and frankly not that good here, so we eat a lot of eggs, and I do pasta a lot. So pasta sauce I guess. Candy would be super cool, send pop rocks! The people here have never had them so they think you're a warlock or something.  They freak out.  Awesome. Nerds, sweet tarts, stuff like that. Twix, milky way, don't worry too much about candy but it's not easy to find here. Seasoning salt, Dad's favorite ingredient, would be sweet too. Anything to spice up eggs really, any recipes you know of to make with not too many ingredients would be greatly appreciated. Fruit is very easy to come by too, so fruit smoothie recipes maybe? No strawberries though, they give you brain worms. Drink mix, don't bother. I just drink a lot of water and chocolate milk here, and they sell the stuff for those so don’t waste the space.  And of course mac and cheese if it will fit.

I will certainly try to tell you about my days without questions, but my memory sucks so no promises.

We have an investigator that lives on this crazy walk, I am gonna take a video of it and show you guys next week hopefully. Alright well I should go, I don't think we are staying too much longer and I still have to write Dad. Oops, sorry Dad did get jipped in the email department  Love you!

Oh, and everyone here wears soccer jerseys from their favorite teams. I am going to try to find a Seattle Sounders jersey soon, but I doubt I'll find one. Tell Jay I need one and see if he has any sweet hookups to get me one cheap or something. He will like that I want one haha Trying to find one.  Anyone have an old one to sell cheap?

This is his letter to Wyatt.  Love this stuff!!!  Shared with permission from Wyatt.

Dude, your letters light up my day. I laughed so hard, the Malagasy chick next to me kept looking at me funny but I don't even care because she is paying 200 ariary a minute to look at pictures of herself on Facebook. Anyway, I'm glad you guys are doing well in football! Also, sorry to hear about the homecoming stuff. Girls don't get any less frustrating, in fact they actually get worse with time. Julissa will be a good date though, good family with high standards. Just don't forget to be incredibly good looking, I know it comes pretty easy to us. Gel your hair is what I'm saying. Hopefully you can see my haircut soon, it's dope. By looking at the picture they only know how to do one haircut in Mada.

I'm pretty pumped you are learning to weld, that is way cool and people look for that kind of skill for menial farm laborers. I think that is the only thing that would have got me hired at Irrigators any faster, except being buff like you. Seriously haha

So, question time.
1.  How’s your companion? My companion is pretty cool. The language is still crazy frustrating but I am learning; The people are so hard to understand, it's ridiculous.

2.  Are you playing nice with the other kids? Am I playing nice? Of course not, I play to win. No haha seriously though I get along pretty well with everyone, so that has been nice. It is not easy though, I pray a lot. I never used to pray, I always thought it meant I was weak, asking for help you know? Then Brother Sell in the MTC told us what his dad told him. He said "It's not a sign of weakness to ask for help, but a sign of strength to accept help from those who love you."  As a parent this is the stuff you love to read coming from your kids.

3.  How’s p-day going? Doing anything fun and exciting? P-day, I think today we are just doing email lunch and going to the office then getting home and catching up on some rest. There are not a lot of opportunities to rest during the week, even Sunday. It's go time baby, and we are going. Last week we went to the zoo though, and that was way cool. Or maybe that was two weeks ago, I don't know. All the days start to run together. On Saturday I have been in country for a month. It feels like a day. It goes by so fast. I had a dream the other night that I was done with my mission already, two years had passed; I almost cried, and then I woke up and I was like "I am so glad I am still in Madagascar."

4. Still struggling with the language? Yep. I always tell people "Azafady, fa mbola mianatra teny gasy" which means "sorry, I'm still learning Malagasy."

5. If you could have 1 object with you that you know we can’t actually send you what would it be? I’ll give you a spiritual and a personal  answer. Spiritually, a rock that gave me the gift of tongues without having to try so hard haha and personally, a personal mind reading translator so I could speak the language. Can you guess what I want? haha

 Well bro, I love you man. Stay fresh, and stay strong.

Answers to Moms questions

You weren't kidding about the lots of questions. I'll see if I can put a dent in it. I did write about 20 questions.  Call me curious.

I am taking all my vitamins and my malaria pills every day. I wasn't sure if you gave me enough that I should be taking what it says to take or just one a day, so let me know but I have been doing what it says to do. Only two kinds of vitamins right? Explain if I am doing something wrong there ha-ha

Eating lots of rice and shredded leaves, lots of fruit, and lots of water. Making lots of pasta, corned beef, meat from the market, and sedaap (like top ramen but with Chinese food flavor, super good) Who knew Top Ramen was a universal food  oh and fruit juice! So many juices here, passion fruit, guava, cranberry kiwi, medley of fruits, and then many many more. I have found one I didn't like and they only sell that one on the street.

My allowance is fine, I am definitely budgeting hard though.

The house is drafty and boring, there's not much to say except only half the burners work on the stove and we always wear a sweater. 

Investigators are cool in general, we are teaching a lady named Hanta (ee-yawn-tuh) and she seems really interested in the church but she never comes, and last week she invited us to her church. We didn't go, but it's really weird conflicting messages. 

Members are very interesting, they are all converts, except a few of the little little kids, so they have a lot of interesting things. We taught them a better way to pass the sacrament for example.

The other house people are way cool, Elder Austin from the MTC is still with me, we get along really well and Elder Walker is way cool as well. 

I listed all the animals in the other email, but I don't remember if I mentioned the crocodile or not. 

My drum is sick, it's not super nice, but it does well for now ha-ha it has some carvings on it that pretty sweet, and I played every drum the guy had before I bought it. Also, it was my first bartered purchase. Talked him down about 20,000 from his original price so I was pretty happy. 

I can tell you I didn't open them until that holiday, and I might wait a little bit but no promises. I had asked about sending packages, if he would wait until designated holiday to open it.  Should have known his answer, he is too much like his Dad and Grandpa G.

I am writing in my journal fairly often, not every day but I am doing well. 

The sunsets don't exist because it's flat and I am in the city. Whatever though, sun goes down at like seven so I don't usually miss it. 

My companion is British, so he doesn't get my humor, and I don't think his is very funny. Other than that though we get along really well, I think we are working well together and he is teaching me the language really well. He is very street Malagasy, but not the food. He doesn't like to eat street food. It's way good though! 

Daily routine, get up at 6 30, eat breakfast, shower and get dressed, personal study at 8, companion study from 9 to 11, then language study until noon. Language study is usually going over words from the previous day that I wrote down because I didn't know, then reading from the Book of Mormon in Malagasy to work on pronunciation, and then working on phrases I can use during lessons. Pretty helpful, and I am definitely improving. Understanding is still pretty hard, but it's getting better! 

Teaching story, we taught Marcelline a practice bap interview to identify any concerns she might have. None at all. So happy. Then she goes (translated) "Elder Galbreath hasn't talked, give a spiritual thought." and hands me a book of Mormon. I flipped right to the waters of Mormon and nailed it with baptism and the blessings it brings and asked her what was keeping her from being baptized. She said nothing was. I just about hit the roof. So happy. I bore testimony about the blessings of baptism, and closed the lesson. Felt so cool. 

Fun story, Elder Walker and I found some ping pong stuff in the house, but no table. So, being thrifty and inventive, we put the table in the middle of the room and played off the floor. We did alright.

Favorite scripture for the week is at the end of 2 Nephi chapter 2. Lehi is addressing Jacob I believe, his firstborn in the wilderness. At the end of the chapter he says that he tells them these things so that they can gain eternal happiness with our father in heaven. I just thought that was a wonderful thing for him to say, to explain his motivation as a father. I'm glad I have a Dad that loves me and wants the best for me. 

I got a haircut and boy, is it a haircut. 

I love hearing from you guys! Brightens my week. We are in ampitatafika right now at a decent cyber. The zoo last week was sick! I saw a fossa, turtles, lemurs, camels, peacocks, and the ever wild fahaza (white people if you don't remember) 

I got sick for the first time this week. We ate at a member’s house on Tuesday and they fed us cow tongue. It was alright, it was really slimy tasting though. So Wednesday morning we do our study time and have lunch and go outside to try to catch a bus to Itaosy. Then it hit me. I said "Elder McLaughlin, we need to go back to the house. I ran across the street and back in the house, sat down on the toilet and did not move until Thursday morning. It was terrible. I'm pretty sure I lost ten pounds. But I'm all better now and I will never eat cow tongue again. Ever.

We had a zone conference on Saturday with Elder Cook of the Seventy, and it was way good! He talked a lot about strict obedience, and he called us the Green Beret missionaries, which is fitting of my new haircut ha-ha. He said that because of how early the work here is, he said we are setting the foundation for the church in Madagascar for generations to come, so we better do it right. Way cool conference though, he also said that our white handbook is the book of blessings because every rule has a blessing attached to it. Also I proved I can still grab rim on a hoop, even with my suit on. Skill. 

Let’s see, what else. We have two investigators getting baptized in the next couple weeks! I'm way excited for both of them, two ladies named Marcelline and Volasoa. Both way cool. Marcelline's whole family is already members, except for her parents who we are teaching and will be baptized as soon as they can get married. So excited for them all! 

I don't think I need anything really, I'll start a list for next week of things I think of. Mac and cheese is never a bad thing though. I love you! I'm being good, so no worries there.

I don't know what else ha-ha love you all! 

Rule to live by number 1- Never eat cow tongue.