Email 3/19/10

Terri,

Hey, do you recall that I was asked to speak in Sacrament meeting today? Well, do you remember that High Council speaker in our ward a few months ago that misplaced his notes and got stuck and flustered. He kept repeating, over and over again that he lost his notes for about the whole time he was allotted to speak. Well, guess what happened to me... No, just kidding. I remembered to take them. I think the talk went well. I'll be sure to keep the talk and recycle it when I get back if the Bishopric asks me to speak. I've attached it if you'd like to read it.

So, when does Eric go on the temple trip? Many times I think of going to the temple with you and sitting in the celestial room. It's one of those things that I look forward to doing with you. I also like when I'm sitting in the endowment session and look over at you and catch you checking me out. Just like when you were checking me out at West Palm Beach 16 years ago. I remember it vividly.

I made my first purchase at the Camp Eggers bazaar today. It's a little pocket knife similar to the one I always carry back home. I brought that knife, but since it has sentimental value to me, don't want to carry it. I'm afraid that with the putting on and taking off my battle gear I'll lose it. The new one I got today says Gerber (it's a knock off) just like mine, but has a wooden handle. Pretty nice! I talked the vendor down to $3 and then he didn't have change for my $20 bill so he gave it to me for free. I insisted on leaving it and getting it next week but he was adamant I take it. Grant, my home teacher, says it's their culture to give you the item if they don't have change. Relationship is much more important that money. Next week I'll go with a $100 bill and see how much free stuff I can get. Just kidding. I plan to take the vendor his money next week.

I love you very much. Check out the picture of me with another dog. The Lt in the photo works for me... very good guy. There is also a picture of us checking our truck before we leave the compound. It looks like we could put some good captions on this one to make it funny.

Love,
Mario