El Chollo and the Beard Pappa

 Oh hi Elder Rivera!

That means something now. Has anyone asked about your name? Its origin is from Spain, then from the area of New Mexico just north of you. It’s like the Lord has sent you to the one place in the world with roots from both sides of your family tree.

I’ve looked up Clovis, it’s much closer to Texas than I figured. I looked up the church on street view and wondered if it’s the same building that grandma and grandpa attended. The style of the building looks like it could be possible. Looks like there are two wards and a branch. I assume you’re assigned to the branch. The town looks like something out of No Country For Old Men. I look forward to reading your descriptions. I would guess that you should have a decent teaching pool between the Air Force Base and the community college. But for you Spanish Elders, it may be from the agricultural industry.

Today was your first Sunday in the mission field, I’ll bet church was different than the Bluffdale 14th ward. But I’ll bet the gospel felt the same. I remember that month alone in Dallas going to church was the only thing that felt familiar. I think my testimony was strengthened because of that. I always associate the feeling of home with the Spirit. It’s not the exact feeling, but it’s in the neighborhood.

I got your friend request just now, that’s a good picture of you. Looks like your comp is from Arizona? He reached out to Jacob when he found out he would be training you. Hopefully this will be a good experience for you. Work hard to finish your training and don’t be afraid to express yourself or to stand up for yourself. You’re new, not incompetent.

Around here things are good. The two highlights are probably things that would bug your brothers by my telling. The first is that Jacob went on his first date. Some girl from his school. Actually, he told me her name so I looked her up on Facebook. She’s very pretty, she’s a return missionary, and she’s from Argentina. It seems like he had fun but I have no other details. Questions have been discouraged. The other cool thing was that Ben and Jake went the the Utes basketball game against UVU. Ben was picked to shoot in the three point contest at halftime. I’ll message the video to you. Your brother always looks like the coolest guy in the building.

Work has been hectic for me, so I’m really looking forward to the holidays. Yesterday I got to hang out with your mother for most of the day. Those are my absolute best days. Remember that feeling of home? That’s how I’ve always felt about her, that’s why I kept asking her out, that how I knew that she was different from the other girls I had been out with. She and Ben made tamales in the morning, Jacob and I did help them fill them. By the time we were done cleaning that up the boys went to the game and to do a little Christmas shopping. Mom had been wanting to try this new restaurant in Sugar House called El Chollo. The story has it that the original was in Los Angeles and it opened in 1923. It was pretty good. After that we got cream puffs at a place called Beard Pappa’s. I first discovered that place in Japan. I don’t know if cream puffs are your thing, but I think they are delicious. Mom and I shared a chocolate filled one. We did a bunch of shopping after that. I think we over did it because mom’s boot wore her out.

Boot you ask? I’m sure she’s already written you about that, but as you know her feet have been bugging her for a while now so she finally went to the doctor. Apparently, she’s had a broken toe (have you played football with her in the last year or so?) but that’s on the foot that didn’t get the boot. Your mother has the highest tolerance for pain of anyone that I know. So I hope this boot allows her to heal. 

Today was fairly heavy with churchly duties. I got up early and thank goodness because the elders needed a ride to church. Then we went to our ward, then we had our ward mission huddle, then mom and I went to go see Jake speak with the High Council in the 13th ward. He did a great job and outshined the other speakers. I also had Stake Mission Training. Then we went to auntie Selena’s for dinner. Sounds like there’s a lot of drama in Spencer’s mission and it’s been tough on him. But he seems to be hanging in there and standing up for himself. Hopefully you won’t have to deal with that but you know what’s right and will be able to get through like Spencer.

Uncle Temmy is slowly getting better, grandma seems good but is losing a little hair. Aunt 

Laurie was here this week so she was happy. Your cousin Cecily had a setback that was a little scary so I fasted for her today. She got sick and there may have been a chance of organ rejection, but it’s more likely just her meds need to be adjusted. She was feeling a little better today, but keep her in your prayers.

I’m really hoping to hear from you tomorrow. I’ll watch messenger and email. Let me know when you can call.

Love you kid,

Pops