Cortez 7-14-08

Hey Fam, Friends and anyone who reads this,

Well, I wrote you an email earlier today, but I couldn't write everything that I wanted to in it. First off I'll say that I'm loving it here. Cortez is a bit bigger than Weiser, but it is pretty similar. We cover a rather poor area here with a lot of trailer parks but there is also a wealthier area or two that we cover. I have an awesome companion. He has been here for a bit more than a year and he is a great missionary. He works very hard and he has a lot of success. We have enough people to teach and check up on, so we rarely have to tract. But when we do I like it. I can feel that when I put my faith in the Lord I just know what to say. It's awesome! I love the challenge that missionary work is. People aren't always nice to us. We were just shopping about 20 minutes ago and some guy walked by and said, "Hail Satan". We just laughed. Some people judge us so harshly without knowing anything about our religion. I just feel so motivated right now. I just want to teach everyone I see and let them know what i know. I'm sure that there will be some hard times and there will be times that I don't feel motivated, but as for right now it has been awesome.

I am in an area where I ride a bike right now. I had to go buy one and it cost me $200 with a helmet. I wasn't happy that I had to pay so much but it's a good bike and it will last me my whole mission. I'll send a picture of it when I send my memory card. We had church yesterday and it was okay. Sacrament meeting was weird. It was like 10 speakers and they all talked about girl's camp. We only had one investigator come to church, but it was probably a good thing because sacrament meeting wasn't very good. Sunday was our worst day. We had a ton of appointments fall through or the people would not show up. That was a bit frustrating, but it was okay.

I pray for you guys every night. It sounds like things are going pretty well. It is going to be really tough if dad has to live in Utah by himself for three months. Let me know when all of that happens. It will be a trying time but I know that as long as we are praying and doing what is right Heavenly Father will provide a way for it to work out.

A thought just came to my mind. In about three weeks or so could you (Mom & Dad) write a letter to my companion Elder Fillmore? I felt really bad for him today because he only got one email, and I could tell it made him kind of sad. He has been an incredible companion to me and I couldn't ask for a better trainer. So, if you could just write him a letter, something that said thank you so much for being such a great help to Johnny. I know he would like it, and of course I'll tell him how great he has been, but I think that if he received a letter from you it would be awesome. And of course write to me whenever you can.

I do have to tell you basketball here is a big deal....only on P day of course. Oh and I got an email from Lizzy. It sounds like she is having the time of her life. Three dates a week !?!? I had like 3 dates in one year of school. I guess that is my own fault though. Yeah, but I'm glad she is doing so well. I told her again that she better not get married until I get back. Hopefully she'll listen to me.

Well I guess I'll wrap up my letter. Just so you know though, I'll try to answer all of your questions you ask me. Especially if you write me during the week (Hint, Hint). I love you all so much. I pray for you every day. I hope you pray for me. The Church is true.

Your loving son/brother/grandson/friend
Elder Hullinger