Ilopango- Week 40

Hey Family!
So,  the week flew by.... again....
So we had a multizona this week. We freaking got macheted con todo... the main subject was repentance. Basically, Our central objective in life is to get in harmony with the Lord´s will through repentance... CENTRAL OBJECTIVE! crazy right? I learned a lot... also, I learned that what a missionary learns in two years is the equivalent to 16 yrs for any normal member. Crazy right? So basically I better learn as much as I can for what time I have left here in the mish!
Tito, our ward mission leader told me something that really made me feel good. I was talking to him on the phone about something I don't remember... then he was like, hey thanks for everything. I really consider you as one of my really good friends.. thanks for everything:) I dunno, I think the world of him so it was cool that he said that.. anyway...jaja..
Speaking of compliments I have gotten this week... I got two new hermanas in my district last week... they told me the other day that they are always confused when they call me and I answer the phone because they expect a gringo.. they said I speak puro Español. Puro Latino... jajajajaja... so that's pretty cool I guess.. I guess that I don't have a bad accent... jaja,,,
I went on divisions with Elder Naylor... my ZL... I hosted him at the MTC btw... he´s a pretty cool guy.. Hey also rides  bikes.. so that's cool.. he´s a legit snowboarder. I like the guy a lot as a person... but I honestly don't like the way he works as a missionary.. just two way different styles.. but you know.. whatever:) But anyway, so Elder Naylor, Winter and Mehr and I made plans to all hit up Lake Powell -SUMMER 2014. legit right? I thought so... jaja...Elder Winter and Elder Mehr are so legit... probably my favorite gringos I have met since I have been here... so fun so totally funny.
The Shins have been in my head this week.
This week my name tag has broke twice... .. so I have been wearing a plack from Elder Mann.. he left a long  time ago.. but left a plack... whatever right? jaja..
So that baptism we had for this weekend? a member.... second time we have got a reference telling us to baptize them and finding out at the last minute that they are members... nice.... but I have seen a huge change in her since we started teaching her.. so that's good!
So I think that we were inspired to visit a less active this week... We showed up and he was told us that he was waiting for us and that he knew that we would come.. we shared a short powerful message and yesterday he came to church with most of his family.. I am so grateful for the spirit that guides you even when you don't realize  it.. jaja..
So we started up with Stanly and Rud this week... we had stopped visiting them so much because they weren´t going to get married until June... so we stopped by and made sure that everything was still going good. Everything is going great! And they are already semi planning on the baptism the day after the wedding , because he wants me to do it... I hope I can baptize that family before I leave this area... We went to their house yesterday morning to cook them breakfast to help them get to church... weird what you have to do sometimes to get people to church! jaja! but they came... so that was good:) Other than that, everythings good! I´ve got a headache like a mother ... but you know whatever..
Mum, I´m glad everything is going good with the shoulder stuff! that's sick... listen to the Shins.. they´re sick... also, I was thinking of Vampire Weekend this week... remembering that song that I sang when we stopped at that Mexican place last December... "in December drinking horchata I´d look sycotic in a balaclava..." jajaja! I love you!
Dad, how´d the whisky 50 go? did it suck? I thought that race kinda sucked... but you know.. whatever..jaja-- hey thanks for everything pops! I love you!
Austin, whats up lady? how´s everything going? dude.. don't do football... it´ll suck the rest of your life... trust me... jajaja.. anyway, love ya!
Ellie, don't worry about all the drama.. just stay out of it... don't go out with anyone... just wait and date a lot when you are 16.. its better that way... trust me... love ya!
Brynn. dang it sounds like your week was boring... but you have to make it fun! that's what its all about! making your own fun! I love you!


I love you all and thanks for everything!
Elder Thornton

Ilopango-Week 39

Hey family!
This week went a lot better than last week... Went by way faster! Hey... happy birthday to ELLIE! That's insane... also... Taft and Perry's birthday is tomorrow..  also Jill´s and cole's.... April  is filled with birthdays. FREAK! but you know whatevers...
So cool that the surgery whips went good! Now you´ll be able to use your arm... jajaja!
This week we had a meeting with President Glazier for all the new missionaries and trainers. It was way legit. Every time I´m with that guy, I feel so small when he machetes me to pieces and then builds you back up... like an Elder Holland in a different way...But this time he wrote a whole bunch of questions that people had on the board and asked the trainers to answer them.. jaja... but you know, whatever.. I really felt the need to start working with the members again... so as a result, we have two FHE´s with some investies.. It should be good! So we should have a baptism this week.. if everything goes well right?... jaja... gotta have faith!
So one of Elder Escalantes converts reminds me so much of grandpa Skelton.. same humor... even looks a little bit like him... white guy... jaja! so like every time I see him, its like, whooa.. grandpa???? (remember Austin with that? jaja)
So I dunno if I have ever told you guys about this... but liquados... smoothies... so freaking good...  Their like 60 cents for a roller coaster ride in your mouth.. its insane! gotta love that...
So this week I went on divisions with Elder Mehr... we studied deep doctrine a little bit... and him and his comp are making knocking on doors fun! And freaking intense... they are inspired by this idea to find the chosen ones.. because they are out there.. but we gotta find them.. The idea is to find them as fast as you can... so like you knock on a door and if you start to feel that they don't really have any interest, run to the next door... it was so insane and so freaking awesome... I love hanging out with Elder Mehr... and his new comp is Elder Winter.. he is also so freaking legit. He is so animated and he is teaching me a lot about good bands that know how to write lyrics... So he has been teaching me how to write a bit... its actually really fun as well. He likes the indie bands.. aka Vampire Weekend... The Shins.. etc.. But its really fun to learn how to write.. its basically taking an emotion and writing about it... so I wrote a little bit about how I was feeling this week.. who knows what the song will sound like?! jaja... but I really like hanging out with him as well:)
Heard Coldplay today! Yellow! classic.
Hey is there weird stuff going on over there in the states? Like something to do with some kinda chip? Heard some rumors here... who knows if they are true...
So i've been thinking about the atonement this week... our ward mission leader Tito got his wisdom teeth taken out... and his girlfriend came home from her mission this week..He proposed to her the day she got back.. she accepted:) but that's besides the point... He said that taking out the tooth was the worst pain he had ever gone through.. and he thought of the pain that Jesus had to go through for everyone of us.. I thought of the most pain I had ever been in.. I couldn´t really think of anything.. then I thought of the hardest things I have ever done... I thought of my first park city mountain bike ride when I was like 15 years old... remember?  I had never really ridden before and thought that was the hardest thing... then I thought of how much harder it must of been for Christ to do what he did for us.. crazy... Also,  Tim's talk on grace was awesome... 
Dad, crazy that the whiskey 50 is already here as well... but you´ll totally kill it!  I don't ever remember my time... I know I didn´t get under 4... I think something like 4 and a half... But who knows?! You´ll probably take that down this year... good luck pops! I love you!
Mum, I am glad that your shoulder is all legit and what not! I hope things go well with your last few days in Utah! Tell grandma hi! :) I love you!
Austin, you are so freaking legit...Prom Prince? You should put the picture of you in mum´s tummy in that slide show thing... Ican't remember what those things are called... but congrats! Who are you going to prom with? love ya!
Ellie! Happy Birthday! Its crazy how the time goes by right? Already 14! before yo know it you´ll be driving! I love you and happy birthday!
Brynn! I´m glad that the aims went well and stuff! Good job! And cool that you finished your dress! I love you!


I love you all and thanks for all your letters and what not..
SALU PUE

Elder TTT

Ilopango-Week 38

Hey family!!!
So this week went all right... I seriously got pretty frustrated! but you know... whatever right? No one came to church yesterday..  We Invited 18 people to church on Saturday... some were cool about it and said : look I wont be able to this week... sorry... everyone else said they would come. And we went to go pick up like 9 of them... trusted the others to just come... got to church and no one came... no one.. that has never happened in my mish.. but you know.. whatever... just gotta stay positive:) I just got a little frustrated this week.. whatever... Things will work out:) I prayed last night just to be able to feel the Saviors love just a little bit, and boy did I feel it:) Its awesome...
On the bright side... the weeks are going by so freaking fast! I cant even stand it... jaja...
Yesterday on the way to church,  we saw a lady get hit by a bus... that was insane... thankfully she was OK and uninjured.. but it was still crazy... never seen anything like that before... jaja
There is an hermana in my district from Honduras that speaks English ,Spanish and Creole.. (she lived in Belize) so shes teaching me Creole... so legit swips.
If you haven't sent a packet yet, president wants me to tell you guys to always send USPS like you have been doing:) And if you could put some more of the same pens I asked for the last time, I would really appreciated it:) thank you!
I feel like I don't have enough time in the day.. with the new training program, we study all morning until lunch.. after lunch we try and look for stuff to do... because the hours from like 1 to 4 just suck... But then from like 5-9 its like seriously hard work. I feel like we never have time to visit all of the investigators we have, in one week. Because its like,,, you can only visit them at certain hours of the day.. and the best hours to look for new investigators is in the same hour... its just kinda rough sometimes...jajaja but you know... whatever. Long story short, way too many people to visit and not enough time...
This week we did service for that bakery... that was pretty fun.. I feel like I´m learning a lot... kinda jajaja.
So I only have one picture this week.. its with Shirley... but let me explain... I took my tie off because I was cooking... I don't have my nametag on because it broke that night as I was taking off my bag... but anyway.. that's her... jajaja but anyway, we are having a hard time finding time to actually teach her.. because she works a lot.. but her son, Marcos, is so legit.. he wants to be a member but I think his mom is kinda holding him back a little.. he´s got like a ton of friends in the church as well.. but we had a lesson with him this week and it went awesome.. the spirit was so strong and I think that he started to connect the dots a little bit.. you know... whatever:)
Mum, so you are going to Utah swips this week? cool beans! say hi to grandma for me! I hope everything goes well with the surgery and whatnot. and you don't need to send me supports.. those are bad for you jaja..I love you mom! Thanks for everything!
Dad swips. dang.. it sounds like the tour was a little bit of the infierno there... jaja...It sounds like it was a little crazy this year as well.. hmm.... its so crazy its been a year from that race last year. so my zone leader... is Elder Naylor.. I actually was the missionary that greeted him at the MTC.. I was his host! jaja... but he also rides. So we talk about bikes and races every now and again... but you know... whatever! So that stinks that it was all windy and stuff... but you said that some were asking about me? like who? That's kinda cool... anyway... thanks for everything pops! I love you
Austin, dude, I would totally drop football and take up a personal throwing coach.. That would be way better on your body.. do it to it! But anyway... keep it real swips! love ya brotha!
ELLIE. swips swips... whats going on? Always hanging out right? Cool beans! Love ya! read the scrips!
Brynn. swips. I liked your painting! you are turning into quite the artist. and way cool you are making bears! i know that many will like that:) love ya!


I love you all and thanks for everything!
So cool scott´s going to Russia!
Elder TTT
sorry its kinda short today.

Ilopango- Week 37

Hey fam! whats going on? This week has been good... it just goes by so darn fast and by the time Monday rolls around, I dunno what happened all week! I don't remember anything! jajaja...

First,my new comp, awesome... he is from Guatemala. He has been a member for like 5 years.. he was a testigo de jehova... but converted... cool right?  But I am enjoying training a lot more than the last time I trained... My comp really looks up to me.. I think anyway... I always tell him that if he wants to do something different or wants me to do something different, all he has to do is tell me... but all he says is: just keep being a good teacher! because I need to learn everything I can...... love em both right?

So we had interviews with the president. Mine are always like really short... I dunno if that is a good thing or a bad thing. jaja... but he asked me about my comp etc... then he asked me if I had seen the movie Remember the Titans... then he told me about the line when there getting their butts kicked because the referees aren't calling a good game... then the coaches said: LEAVE NO DOUBT. It could be applied in a million ways, but the way he applied it was that I should leave no doubt with my comp of whether or not I love him. I have been trying to do that lately... leave no doubt. Not just in the sense that he used it in. But leaving no doubt wherever I go.. its kinda cool right? jaja

We found and starting teaching a Dominican this week... too bad Escalante wasn't here... jaja... but it was so cool! Because we like asked him to pray about everything that we had talked about to find out through the spirit if it was true.. he was like: there's no need! I already believe everything! I was like: sweet! lets fill the font! jajaja... but he's got some sabbath day issues...he works... but we'll work with him!
Did some service this week. Stanly and Rud were moving so we painted their new house and helped them move... just down the street.. did I tell you that they have a marriage date for June? They finally decided that they want to do it their way... jajaja We also went to the tamale house to do service there... that was were the pic was taken and sent to you mum... jajaja! the stuff in the spoon is the stuff you put in tamales... sick whips!

This whole mission thing is taking a tole on my body... my knees like constantly hurt... my whole body aches like all the time... but you know... whatever... I don't ever feel it when I'm teaching!  So all I need to do is teach a lot right? jaja

This week we had the Birthday of Christ and the Death and resurrection of Christ and the organization of the churchs anniversary ... a really special week right? remember remember...

So we've been trying to change things up a little bit more... I am trying to rely more and more on the Lord and I am starting to recognize the lords hand a little bit more every day in our work. I am constantly making a effort to rely on him always... its tough sometimes but you know... it was never meant to be easy.

Had the first mas o menos storm this week... I had forgotten how crazy the thunder and lightning storms are here.... its nothing like it would be at home...

So traditions in ES... for semana santa... its really for all the catholics but everyone gets like a week off work and heads to the beach... in other words.. not many people home in their house... but on Friday, all the catholics make these alfombras... they are like these huge murals that they make on the streets.. I am talking like huge. And their all made with salt colored to make the pictures look like something that has to do with Christ... they are really cool. I was very impressed with how well and how cool they really looked. But that was my week!

Mum, thanks for everything! I believe that my comps mom is sending something for him... but could you send me one of my harmonicas? the honher in the gray case:) Also, there's a guy in my ward bugging me for beef jerky.. so if you could like send a pack of that, he would like it. And maybe the soundtrack for Tarzan? I dunno if that's against the rules.. if it is I wont listen to it... jaja!. I love you mum and i'm so grateful for everything you do for me.. always making sure i'm OK... Also, what date is mothers day? I haven't heard anything from the pres about that yet.. but it is kinda early... you know... what ever... jaja! I love you!

Dad, keep´me updated on the bike stuff... I wanna hear all about it! and yeah, I would definitely ride your bike when I get back.. at least for a year or so... i hear that you should get a new one every 3 to 4 years... but I really don't know anything anymore! jaja... no but I was thinking that I would want to ride a pinarrello when I get home... or an orbea... or the classic specialized.. but my heart was/is leaning towards a pinarrello... and would be especially good because I will have no money when I get back...jajaj! Funny, i'm only like half way done and i'm talking about this stuff... but it seriously goes by so sodding fast.. it feels like last week we raced the whisky 50... I remember so vividly that I didn"t feel good from the start of that duy...jaja! So I guess its never too early to think about that stuff. Also, I think we are going to the temple in may... Also, I am about 80% positive that there's a bike store over by the temple.. I once saw some El Salvador kits in there... interested? Or just wait until you come to visit.. I wouldn't be surprised if the sizing is way different here.. also, my ZL is a legit cyclist as well! and I had no idea for a while... but you know... whatever.. btw.. the only reason I am a leader is because the lord wants me to learn something that I haven't learned yet... Yes I am still in Ilopango:) I love you pops... thanks for everything!

Lady, whats up stud? dude, I love Rondo... and the Suns... so stoked for Rondo... anyway, congrats on being number 1 thrower in discus this week! that's so legit..keep up the good work. Let the little things stay little.. Make everything easy:) love ya bro

Ell Bell. I was thinking this week that you would be a great missionary as well! I know its not really expected, but you know... it would be an awesome experience for you... all the experiences that I am having here could be yours.. prepare for a mish. Its awesome. You will be amazed at what an eye opener it is.. and you would be a huge example to your sister.. food for thought? Try it out! I love you!

Brynn! thank you for you nice letter! It sounds like Easter was good and that you are having fun... Thank you for making bears! You are awesome. I love you!

I love you all!

ElDeR ThOrNtOn

Ilopango- Week 36

Conference highlight: Christofferson: TRANSLATE THAT! JAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAAJA. That was the only session I watched in Spanish and they didn't translate it! jaja.. (Sunday morning I had to accompany an investigator, she didn't speak English..jaja)
My favorites from conference:
Elder Holland... duh... always my top favorite.. but the whole thing on being patient and the parable that he told.. that we shouldn't get envious if someone else gets some blessings and we have been working longer...way good.
Cook: being in tune with the music of faith.
David A Bednar: macheting all those who have the priesthood and don't work. Hit the nail right on the head. Cavalito. We do need to act differently because we have the priesthood.
Elder Uchtdorf; Don't judge me because I sin in a different way than you. Way, way good. cavalito.
Nelson: nature of God. Analogy about the blowing up of a print shop and getting a dictionary.. doesn't work... jaja
Hallstrom: gospel vs. church.. Need them both. way good.
Henry B Eyring: about trials, I always think when they talk about that stuff that they must be talking about someone else because my life is good. But really, we all have trials... apply it to ourselves even if we think their not talking to us. We all have trials, whether it be school, work, whatever...
Always the prophet. awesome.


I say it was a very successful conference. So darn legit. I saw all in English, except for one session on Sunday. An investigator came. Her name is Soyla. She is sincere. I think its for sure that she'll get baptized. Especial after hearing the prophet.jaja... Did you catch the theme of conference? Definitely families. FAMILIES! bueno
Also, my old bishop from my old area came to our stake center to watch conference with his family. It was so cool to be able to see them. And after the sessions was over, they were looking for me to say goodbye. And it seemed to me that they were convinced that they were not going to leave until they had found me. They were such great friends and such a great bishop. My first ward was so awesome. I am so grateful for the people that I met there and the friends I have made. Bishop Moroni Martinez.


So last Wednesday, we had changes. You all thought that it was the week before.. but no... it was like 5 days ago. But my new comp is Elder Rivas from Guatemala. I think Brynn might be taller than him. he's tiny... jaja. sorry, don't have a picture yet.  But anyway, despite the fact that he's kinda a dork, he is one good elder. He is very humble and has a huge desire to learn. I am looking forward to working with him.
So in the meeting for the changes, pres asked Elder Escalante to rap a song he wrote about the familia. It was so legit. I played the coldplay song lost. And... I think i felt the spirit. Pres started crying. jajaja...But I did a complete 180 with Escalate over these 3 months... I went from wanting it to end as fast as possible to not wanting it to end... went from bugging me to death to loving him. I was sad to see him go.But its all good. all good things must come to an end... at least in this life.

So the Tuesday before the change, we had our general conference number 4 for the zone CHIVOPANGO! Before every change we have always done something fun to remember the good times of the zone. It was so darn funny and so fun. I've got videos:)


It just keeps hitting me how much I need to improve. How much more I need to rely on the spirit and to recognize when he is talking to me. It just kinda hit me that I need to be so much better. All the mistakes I've made. Before and during the mish could have been avoided. Just to put it into perspective, When Jesus Christ comes again, it will not be the sight that convinces us... it will be the spirit. The same goes for everything when it has to do with the gospel. Showing anyone the plates would not convince them of the Book of Mormon... they have to gain the testimony. The voice of the spirit bore a witness more vivid than sight: Anyway, I need to improve... I need to be better...

Mum, thank you for everything! I really love you a ton and can't wait to be able to talk to you in a about a month! Hey when you send me a package, can you send me the video to my senior recital? Bishops son wants to see...also, you have amazing taste. Every single tie you have sent me has been like my favorite tie. I love the Ben Sherman's and the penguins. yeah, if you ever want to send a missionary something, you cant go wrong with a tie! Thank you! I love you!


Tod "so fast he dropped the D" Thornton!!! jajaja. that's so funny! I cant wait to be able to ride with all you guys again. its been a while... but at the same time, its insane... its already been a year since the tour de mesa... that is so crazy. But thanks for everything pops. I couldn't do what I'm doing without you... love ya!

Austin, did you enjoy conference? dude.. it was sick...try out listening to those talks mentioned above again. awesome. And you should consider getting your patriarchal blessing... I think it would be a great asset for you and a great way to start getting ready for the mish. love ya bro!

Ellie, I'm pretty darn sure that Kony 2012 is something that has to do with "invisible children"in Africa... thats just what some elders say here that they have heard... hes like a dictator for some country in África and they are trying to get him in prison this year... who knows... could be wrong!But conference was awesome! hope you liked it! Pay attention to what they said. Remember that what people think is cool in high school really has no importance in life... just always try your best in school... because yes, that counts. love ya!

Brynn, thank you so much for the PJs you sent me !I cant believe you made them! Those were so sick! Thank you so much! Happy Easters! Remember the conference messages.. And don't you ever feel like you are not beautiful just the way you are. Don't worry what other people might think..... you are perfect just the way you are.. and don't ever think differently. te amo mucho.

 I love you all a ton!
Elder THORNTON