I'M TWENTY!

Dear Family,

 

I'm twenty years old! I'm 20! It was a pretty normal day. Although, it didn't rain at all, which was fantastic because it had rained all week and it's nice to get a break every once in a while. Whoever thought they'd hear me say that? a break from the rain. I love when it rains at 10 at night, when I'm inside getting ready for bed. I'll like the rain after the mission, when it means 'stay inside, watch a movie and take a nap.' but right now, all it means is 'you look like a floating trash bag, but at least you're dry.' I'm glad to hear you guys had a blast in the keys. I'm not surprised Cassie's darker than the dark side of the moon. Sorry for the dumb jokes, I'm really hungry. Back to my story: I woke up - well first - at midnight I pretended to write 'Happy Birthday Harry' on the floor next to my bed, because I basically sleep on a matress on the floor and I've never felt more like HP on his 11th birthday. I know, I'm a loser but I was awake, and that was the first thing that came to my mind - after I said "I'm 20!" In the morning, we got up, Elder Cayoja told me happy birthday, I made breakfast - sopaipillas that one of our investigators gave us - with honey and an ecco. We left for church, President called and said he and sister Rappleye would be attending. We had the most people in the branch since I've been in Lago Ranco, which was great. 24 people! Whoo. Hermana and President Rappleye gave their testimonies during the meeting. It was really hermoso. Then, President and Elder Cayoja left to visit a less active member and I was on a 'split' (temporary companionship) with hermana Rappleye! haha. It was funny. Since there are no other sacerdocio, I went to Relief Society with her. She's really nice and her spanish is super great. Then they came back, and President and Hermana left. Elder Cayoja and I left for La Union, for a meeting with all the branch president's in the district. The meeting lasted a long time, so we stayed the night with the zone leaders. On saturday, I bought a cake from the pasteleria - here in Ranco. Knowing that we'd be spending the night with the zone leaders I traveled with all my luggage and the cake across three cities and two buses. Vale la pena. The cake was delicious. and they sang 'Feliz Cumpleanos' and according to latino tradition, I got three wishes. Obviously, I can't say what they are. But that's way better than America - all these years - I've only wished for one thing. Also, waiting in the zone leaders house were letters from Cynthia and a package from Kate. So I got to open my Justin Bieber card in front of everyone, thanks Cynthia! and I now have two new Hunger Games ties and the mockingjay pin from Kate, Thank you! It was a great day. Thank you for ALL the letters, the packages, and the gifts. I love you family.

 

I was reading this morning in the July Liahona, President Utchdorf's talk about being in the middle. I loved it. Also, there is a story about never giving up. Two really great messages. I hope you all know, that I know that this church is true. I know Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, that he spoke to God the Father and Jesus Christ and that through him, the fulness of the gospel was restored. Christ is our Savior, he lived and died that we might learn this gospel and live the commandments. I've never appreciated the gospel more than I do at this point in time. It's a sacrifice. It's difficult. It takes courage and a constant desire to be better. But it's worth it. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I hope you all take the time to appreciate the blessings, however small, that the gospel has provided in your life.

 

Thank you for everything. I love the mission!

 

Love,

 

Elder Maxwell Poirier.

 

P.S.

photos include:

eating beef jerky and throwing the 'pop' sparks (I made that name up, I have no idea what they're called) on the fourth of July.

my LAST photo as a teenager! 19. haha.

Birthday cake with the candels Aleksi and Cassie sent me.

Celebrating with the zone leaders and Elder Cayoja.

Photos of Lago Ranco at it's finest.

and the Mockingjay pin Kate sent me, that will now travel with me everywhere!