ChChChanges...1/27/10

Steven and his new companion, Elder Polera from North Carolina.

A photo I came across from another missionary blog. Look how skinny Steven is! This is back in December

Hey fam!

Well, changes are come and gone, and it is definitely interesting. I am leaving Elder Fajardo and headed to Maldonado 2nd Ward. Huzzah. I hear it is really awesome and a really strong area. I am looking forward to being able to start over and tear it up. My new companion is Elder Polera from North Carolina. He's a stud, he is Elder Wright's kid (Elder Wright was my zone leader a while ago). I'll have more info on him next week. For now, here's a picture. His forehead really isn't that big. :P

Other changes - Elder Fajardo is going to Rio Branco, a border city with Brazil in Cerro Largo. He'll be with Elder Parraga, a former assistant to the President. Elder Wally is going to Maroñas (my old zone) to Toledo (where I did a musical family home evening with Elder Smeltzer). Elder Bulloch is headed to San Jose de Carrasco where he will be a zone leader with Elder Erickson. He's really excited, but kinda nervous. Well he's used to being looked up to, being

a mission president's son and all. So there are four new Elders coming to Trinidad. Elder Solano (Mexican) with a corto plazo (a mini missionary, youth who serves for one change to get the mission feel) who is from Asamblea. He's the WML's kid, Germàn. I talked to him today...he's excited and getting ready for his mission. The other couple is a Chileno Elder Gonzalez with a greenie. Don't know them yet. I passed the keys and stuff to Elder Solano, I hope they don't get lost or anything.

Dad, I transferred money from my savings to my checking to take out today, Maldonado is a really expensive place to live and I have been footing some serious expenses. I know I'm pulling a lot of money, but things should calm down since my new comp is getting a full check each month (elder fajardo's was discounted for mistakes he had made in old areas).

Good to hear that Corry is back in rehab. I hope he can make some good decisions and finish out the treatment he needs. I'm praying for him and hope he can return to full fellowship in the family.

Thanks for the pic of the living room. Looks really good... can't wait to see what you guys do to the rest of the house. I wonder if I'll recognize it! Here's hoping that you guys don't have to move for Dad's work. ;-) Also good to hear that Emily is already set up with Kevin. They'll be a good couple. It's ridiculous. LOL out loud!

Yes, the urumontemission@gmail.com is still OK. Just put Elder Steven Thorderson as the subject so it gets to me. It is really fast, faster than the post office or pouch. I look forward to hearing from her, (Nanny) I think there is a letter on the way. I lost a bunch of letters I have written... I can't really remember if I sent them or lost them. Thanks for the cards... way cool! I forgot how fat I was... my neck was as fat as my face!!! (Mom Note: I sent Steven business cards with his first day missionary photos on them. He was about 30-40 pounds heavier then...)

Well I'm going to zip off an email to tina. I love you all and hope you guys keep going strong! Say hi to the still single Sister Renehan for me! haha (Mom Note: I happened to mention in my last letter that the young sister Renehan was still single...Moms...always trying to set up their sons! Love you, Micaela! :-) )

Mom Note: After receiving an email from Steven, I received an email from his new companion's mom. This is what she had to say: That is awesome! My son's quote about your son "he's a pretty sweet dude" ---surfer lingo for Cody's highest compliment! :-) Cody is a hard worker and has endless energy. I think they will get along great. This is his first area but Elder Wright was a great teacher and I know they worked really hard. I know that they also have two other elders that were moved into their tiny apartment yesterday from an area that is now closed. Cody said they seemed like "cool guys" but he said it should be interesting to see how they all fit in their small space.