Had a great B-day thanks!

Oí! How are you all doing? It sounds like everyone is doing good- busy that is! From what mom said it sounds like it is turning fall there in the Northwest! The trees are turning color, and the air is getting a little more brisk. Oh how I love this time of year too, but now I get to experience it in humid hot weather! How wonderful! Just think of it this way, I am experiencing November again here in a little bit. Round two!
To answer moms comment, yes I do remember going to the plays in Spokane. I was not to into them. What I do remember about them though is that I would go up to the front of the stage before and after the play to see the awesome sound set and instruments they had playing, And also to talk to the professional instrumentalist. Then during the play I always fell asleep. Non the less it left a good impression on me because I ended up playing the cello, which I absolutely loved to death! That filled my life with tons of other memories too growing up, and even lead into my relationship with my best friend. Playing instruments really does bless your life. Not only do you get to experience other kinds of music and learning, but it also enhances your ability to study and perform in life.
The life here in Manaus is the same as ever. The weather is relatively unchanging and the teaching and baptizing continues. It is however getting hotter as the days pass. The people say that this year is not as hot as in years past though. More rain than usual in the summer. I think that it is super hot though, just because I am a gringo North American. Ha. Everything is an experience though is what I have learned. The good things do not last that long, and the bad things are only temporary.
This last week for my birthday I went to a pizza shop with the other missionaries who share an apartment and chapel with us. Also there ended up being tons of recent converts and members from wards. It was a good time. The pizza is however different dad! It is just like a thin piece of doe with a little topping. They do not even use tomato sauce or anything. Instead, as Tyler knows, they put ketchup and mayonnaise on the top. Interesting huh? I passed even though I like it, because it sure does add the extra calories and I am not needing that. I have really fattened up in this area. I have by a matter of fact started a diet today. Hope it is successful. You never know because we are constantly talking with people who want to give us food and bread. Plus pop here is like water, but I don’t drink a drop.
I did receive the packages this week that you sent me. One from mom and dad and the other from Brynne and Jon. I loved them and thank you! I have enough cake to make to become a baker! Ha. I also listened to half of the cd that Brynne sent me on how to become an extra-ordinary missionary. It is super good, and definitely contains important information I am as of this afternoon putting into action. I love you guys, and thank you for thinking about me.
Yesterday we had a conference with president, so I did not have p-day. It ended up getting pushed up to today. Sorry that I did not inform you, your probably mad at me cause you thought that I did not write. I would not do that unless no one wrote me! By the way the conference was really good. It was all about planning and how it is a powerful key in success not only in the mission but also throughout your life. I could not help but think of dad the whole time. He always used to tell us that it is not a goal unless you write it down. That is the same lecture we had from president. I love the counsel that we receive from our leaders, chosen by our heavenly father.
Today we went to the center of manaus. The first time for me and I have almost a year. Nuts. It was way cool, but made me really home sick if you believe it or not. It is just because it is super touristy and I am used to only being in those areas with my family ya know. But it was fun. I was walking through the street pointing out things that dad and mom would like and stuff. Then we went down to the shore of the amazon river and I touched the water. It was awesome. No I can tell my future family that. Cool huh? The things we do in life….crazy. There is so much left for me to learn about this city. I do not know anything about it. I feel like if mom and dad came and got me we would have nothing to do, cause I know nothing. We have to think about it. Maybe go deep into the forest and hunt. I have a couple opportunities to do that if you guys want. I know a guy who hunts alligators and also fish with spears. That would be sweet!
I have grown so much this week. I have learned that it is the human influence to become mediocre. Mediocrity is a killer to mankind. It is so important to always do your best and become better everyday. I know that as we do that we will have more of the spirit in our lives to lead us and guide us. I love you all I have to run cause my comp has to go pick up some contacts. Keep the faith. I am one click away!
Loves
Elder gatten