Ambassador of Kenya . . .

Oi, Familha! (Hey Fam!)

First off, hope you like the pictures. Second off, I have major news.

I got told yesterday night that the ambassador of Kenya is coming next week on Thursday the 11th to talk to me. She wants to know about missionary work and like, why I'm here, how much the church is paying me, why I'd leave behind my life for 2 years and other questions like that!

She's meeting with the general authorities (aka - President Monson, President Eyring, and President Uchtdorf) right before coming to talk to me. She had to get permission from Obama to do this. She'll be surrounded by body guards and police everywhere! I have no idea why I've been chosen, but maybe there's a reason I'm here at this time?

I'm not making any of this up - it's 100% true! I'm told I'll be representing every missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints! They're making me cut my hair, shave, press my shirts, shine my shoes and everything!

Talk about pressure! I'm gonna be praying and fasting all week! I'll be sure to e-mail you Friday the 17th and let you know details of our conversation.

But other than that, same old same old! :) Me and Elder Ruiz party all the tme and I'm still getting fat. Life is good. Obviously, I still miss ya'll, but it's becoming easier to not think about it all the time.

Oh, I saw and talked to Ben yesterday. That was crazy! After not knowing anyone for 2 weeks, seeing one of your best friends is amazing! But our schedules are totally different so I only see him at eating times sometimes.

But what's going on in the world? All I know from outside these walls is that the Colts are playing Saints for the Superbowl. And that's only cuz I gave a kid .50 cents on my walk to the temple! Saints will win for sure. But how 'bout music? Movies? Other sports? Just anything! Oh, I need someone to send me the lyrics for "Fairytale" and "Amazed".

I heard Tara did really well in her volleyball tournament so nice work! That's so cool! I can't wait 'til I can actually be sitting in the bleachers watching you play! Amazing!

And Kyle's driving all over. Man, you better not hurt/remove one eyed Lawrence! [One eyed Lawrence is a puffed up blow fish Brian got on our trip to Hawaii. He has googley eyes and one of them has gotten lost! I hate that thing hanging on my rear-view mirror!] Keep him there for life!

I wish I knew something else to write about. My days are all the exact same. Oh, but you guys should read "Our Search for Happiness" by Elder Ballard together. I LOVED it!

Oh, and if ya'll get any "how's your brother/son doing?" from anyone I wanna know cuz there's probably some people I forgot to say, "hey, see ya later" to.

I fear I'm repeating some things in this letter from the last one.

Oh, check this out. On February 19th 'til I leave the MTC I'm not allowed to speak English anymore. Crazy? I say, "yes". So here's my testimony for practice . . .

Eu sei que (I know that) sobe Deus (God) es nosso (Heavenly Father) pai son celestial. Eu sei que Jesus Cristo es voces filho. Voces (He) ama (loves) nos. Da Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos Santos dos Ultimos Dias (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) es verdadeiro (true). Eu sou de o magnifico familha (magnificent family)! Eu ama voces muito ben (I love all of you very much)! En nome de Jesus Cristo, Amen.

There's some language for ya! Hope it's not too confusing.

Gosh I feel weird. I've never had anything come even close to this experience in my life! I don't think I've ever even been on my own for longer than two weeks, but look at me go!

Oh, and Heath [Heather], don't hit cats. That's very rude! But it's funny cuz no one likes cats.

I've taken plenty more pictures including the famous "me pointing to the map" so you'll get it next letter.

I'm so happy to know that lots of people are praying for me. I'm too blessed, but then again, if you open up your heart the Lord shall send blessings even more than what you think you're able to receive.

And Kyle, dude you gotta take a little more time on writing your letters. Slow down a bit so I can read it. The ladies will still be there when you're done, I promise! And do good work with that new girl that asked you to prom. Let me know how that goes. Midnight Tubing! I'm so jealous! The only exciting thing I can do at midnight no is . . . go to the bathroom. Nice drawing, by the way. Every backflip you do think about me. Tell Bro. Hadley [Brian's old seminary teacher - Kyle's current seminary teacher] I say "hey" and I am wishing I would have paid more attention in his class. Love that guy, I do. Peace out homie. Stay sweet.

You guys have no idea how much I miss Cambria! I have all the pictures of her hanging in my room. She's so cute! Can't wait to hear about her birthday party destroying a cake! Fun! I want all of you to go by Cambria right now and look into her eyes. You'll see heaven. I promise. And you'll see me teaching people of Portugal. No doubt about it.

There is something that would be nice to receive in a package or something and that's a small box of Tide. We have to keep "borrowing" from the other elders and I feel like I shouldn't be "borrowing" while on a mission. But whatever.

Just so you all know this letter is super long.

Jess and Rob, ya'll need to write me. Yes, the DearElder.com thing worked so keep doing it or write them or something. Compared to the other kids you're slacking. (Way to go other kids!) :) Plus, I haven't even heard from Cambria yet. :( That means sad face.

Whoever said "you never really know what you've got 'til it's gone" definitely wasn't smoking crack when they said it, cuz that phrase has become my motto. That and one I say "let's go do stuff". So cherish the little things in life and the people you're with. Let them know not just by words, but by actions too that you're crazy about them. That's something I've never really been good with. And I'm not even good with words when it comes to some things.

I'm eating the peach rings ya'll sent me as I'm writing this. I think that they are keeping my hand energized, so if you enjoy this long letter just thank yourselves. Blame it on the peach rings.

Oh, today I went to the temple and I did sealings instead of endowments. It's amazing to know that I took part in the act of bringing families together for time and eternity. Don't worry, I'm keeping my journal updated.

Tara, keep on takin' care of the family for me. You're the boss. I love you all and you're in my prayers. Keep bein' the crazy Anderson family everyone knows and loves. God be with you 'til we meet again. I love you guys.

Love your brother, son, uncle,

Elder Brian Lee Anderson