Family,

First off, happy birthday Maddie! I hope you had a wonderful birthday and I hope you cause havoc has a teenager. Make me proud ;)

What a week! I have a lot of pictures so this going to be a short email. I will explain a few of the pictures;

THE RAT- We've been having a rat problem in our apartment. I'm sorry I should say "rats." The rats here are HUGE. Anyway so I just want to thank my Texas roots and my mom for sending me a nerf dart gun. I put needles on the end of the darts and it became a deadly weapon. After testing it on Elder R's thigh, I waited. Yesterday we found the rat in our room and closed all the possible exits. After some girly screams from Elder R and some precise shooting on my part. I was able to kill the rat. It wasn't the biggest one we've seen but that's one down...and probably 12 more to go. I actually was really proud of myself because I've never gone hunting before. I dedicate the kill to my grandpa.

THE BAPTISM-Okay I can go home now. The church ran out of water so I was able to baptize Vicent, our recent convert, in the ocean. What a sacrifice.  Probably one of the coolest moments of my life. Dream come true. The baptism started early in the morning because a big tropical storm was supposed to come later. It was so peaceful. The waves were calm and the sky gray. Vicent will be able to pass the sacrament in the group in Sta. Cecilia in 2 weeks. The church is true.

Other pictures; Some pictures with the other elders in my district, some members and food. There's an extra missionary because his companion was sent home and he is now put in a tri-companionship. I think these pictures are so funny because Elder R ruins most of them. I love being a missionary. 

Other then that things are going great. Transfers are in a couple weeks and I'm pretty sure I'm leaving Aringay. The Branch and members are already planning parties for me. I love them so much. I don't want to leave. I love y'all and I know this church is true. No doubt about it. I know why I'm here. Keep those prayers coming!

Your Valiant Missionary,

Elder Strader