Elder Ogden teaches 20 lessons two weeks in a row!

A very tan Elder Ogden. Serving in Caceres had its advantages.


Taken from the top of a mountain in Caceres.

Dear Family,

Happy birthday to Julie! It was great to hear that it went so well for you. I was thinking about you yesterday, to the point that I announced your birthday in district meeting, but since I forgot last Wednesday I had to wait until today to say it to you. But happy birthday in any case.

As insinuated by the subject line, we did in fact get 20 lessons again last week. It was not easy, but it was definitely worth it.

It has been a little cold the last two days, and there was a long and heavy rain yesterday. I was grateful for the umbrella I bought in Caceres six months ago. My companions both bought new ones from a Chinese store. Theirs cost a little more but were still pretty cheap.

I got your letter talking about picking me up, and it is fine with me that you come to get me. You should get some information in the mail having to do with what you will need to have in mind as you make plans.

Today we went to the Palacio Real, or Royal Palace. It was beautiful, and I wrote a letter about it while we were standing in line. Hopefully that will be on its way soon. I also finished another little tape, so hopefully that will be on its way too.

I am including four more pictures. DSCN1145 is just one I liked. I think that the missionary in it is Elder Morris. The ones that end in 115 and 118 were taken from the top of the mountain in Caceres. 140 is my missionary tan from the summer. I hope they reach you fine and that you enjoy them.

Thanks for including the bit about your finding a sister whose name you can take to the Temple. Maybe you can look for one more to take by the end of the year. I know I would be grateful for anything anyone did to get my work done if I were waiting in the Spirit world. I read Doctrine and Covenants 138 this morning and it really showed me how urgent the work is on both sides of the veil. I liked reading about how the Lord organized his forces to go and work, and how the work is continuing on the other side, and how it is the duty of faithful elders to continue to work once their mortal tasks are through. I was kind of looking forward to taking a break after this life was over, but I guess that if I am freed from pain and tiredness it will not be so bad at all.


Well, that is all. I love you very much and will be in touch again soon.

Love,
Elder Jonathan David Ogden