Elder Clarke arrives in Panama! on 2/14/12

Elder Clarke arriving at the airport meeting President Ward.

Elder Clarke at the airport with his first companion--Elder Rich from Hurricane, UT.

Elder Clarke and Elder Rich at the Panama City, Panama Temple.

 Elder Clarke & Elder Rich using a machete to open fruit.  These pictures were sent to me by a woman named Carmen Diaz who described herself as Elder Clarke's Panamanian "cooker."  As his mother, I'm a little disappointed that he gets a "cooker" right off the bat!  I was hoping he'd have to cook for himself!

They succeeded!  Now they can eat the fruit!

We haven't received an email from Elder Clarke yet, but the mission president's wife sent us an email with pictures, letting us know he arrived safely.  His first companion is Elder Rich from Hurricane, UT.  I believe his p-days will be on Mondays.  Notice the new address posted to the blog.

FINALMENTE!!! 2/9/12

Voy a salir!!!!! Finalmente!!!! I recieved my flight plans a couple days ago!!!!!! I am SO stoked!! I leave the MTC Valentines Day at 3:00 AM :) :) I will be traveling with a group of 7 other Elders for part of my flight - they are headed somewhere else in central america and I haven't had a chance to meet them yet. I'll be accompaning them on my first flight of the day - to the Dallas/Fort Worth airport - where I will arrive at about 10 AM. But once I get to Dallas, I'm on my own! A solo missionary for the rest of the day. I will depart from Dallas on my own and fly to Miami, Florida for my second layover. I should arrive in Miami around 4 PM. And then finally I board my third and final flight (still by myself) to Panama City, and I'll arrive in Panama at about 10 PM that night. Crrrrrrrazy day right?! My first flight is gonna be a totally crazy adventure. All by myself :) I can't wait!!! I have about 4 hours of layover, and I'm planning on using a bunch of time just to go talk to pple and pass out BOMS. I'm gonna buy a whole bunch here at the bookstore to pass out at the airports. I CAN'T WAIT!!! I need to place at least threee. And I can't wait to talk to you guys too!! I can spend as much time as I want on the phone at the airport (as long as I make it to my flight early of course). I'll probly try calling at both airports if I have time. What a great day.

Ok so now for some good stuff :) I've had another great week. The Lord has been so merciful in blessing me and revealing to me things I needed to learn. First, a few days ago, Bishop Richard C. Edgely - first counseler in the presiding bishopric - came and spoke to us. It was fantastic. He spoke on enduring to the end, but more importantly The Spirit spoke to my heart telling me the things I needed to hear from his talk. It was such a good spiritual experience. Secondly, I had SUCH a good experience at the temple last week. I had been trying to do all the right things, be obedient, seek guidance, etc., but I just didn't really feel in tune at all. I went to the temple with a certain question in mind, and tried to focus as much as I could. Coming out of the temple, I didn't feel like I had gotten out of the session what I wanted - and to be honest I was a bit disappointed in myself. But later that night, The Lord answered my prayer and question in a way I wasn't expecting at all. It was beautiful though!!! I was so grateful. The Lord is really so merciful to us. All he wants/asks of us is to have faith and put our faith into action, and he will bless us. He WANTS to bless us - so badly (for further insight on that, look up "Prayer" in the bible dictionary)! We just have to show him first that we're willing to put forth the work. Just tender tender mercies from The Lord this week. I love it.

Another thing I've been thinking about recently is this world we live in. In a couple of experiences as of late, I've learned that we can't get too comfortable in this world. The statement "Be in the world - but not of the world" is so true!! So true. Let's not forget who has dominion over this world. Satan! This is his world and we can't forget that. It says in 1Peter 5:8 that the adversary is lurking about, trying to snap at ANY opportunity he has to bring us down. He knows this world so very well - better than any of us. We're living on his playground. So.... watch out! Haha.

The last thing I'm trying to do before I leave for Panama is edify myself. Joshua 3:5 is quickly becoming one of my favorite scriptures. I want to do miracles in Panama - literally. And I know with The Lord's help I can! Miracles and great things can be wrought - but I must edify myself beforehand. A modern example of this is also in D&C 43:16 when He encourages Elders in this dispensation to do the same thing. Edification. It's the goal.

As for my companions Elders Fenn and Atherton, we continue to learn every day together. Our lessons have improved and we're currently stressing the importance of obedience and hard work. I am just trying to do everything I can to leave a lasting impression with them before I leave. I pray for them too. They'll be good :)

I hope you got my package from Sis. Belliston and everything. Thanks again so much for that money deposit - I have had to spend a lot on co-pays and prescriptions and such. You guys are the best :)

Glad to hear everyone is doing well! Good to know Dave is still tearin' it up with choir - and the ladies ;) And Dad will be happy to hear that when Russell M. Nelson came last week he formally announced to all of us that Mitt Romney is doing well. He seems to be a fan. Haha :) I heard he won the republican vote for Florida or somethin? Awesome! Speaking of family...... would it be ok if someone emailed me all your email addresses? Even for Katie, Scotty, Dave, Dad, etc., so that I can still write them back in Panama? I think I'll be mostly communicating through email from here on out :)

Well, I have loved my time here in the MTC, pero estoy listo salir!! No puedo esperar. I have stuck to Alma 17:11 through the hard times here (Thanks Dad for suggesting it - I'm planning to write you back when I find time). I'm happy to let you all know that during my stay, I set the new 2012 basketball records for the MTC gym. My name is on the wall and everything. 9 three's in a row and 16 free-throws. Hehe :) It made me feel cool.

Love you alll!!!!!!

-Elder Clarke

Best week so far!!!! 2/2/12

BEST WEEK OF MY MISSION SO FAR!! Seriously, like wow! This week has been so amazing. So much has happened. So much to write!!

Lets just start with this past weekend - especially Saturday and Sunday. I had the BEST personal study sessions of my life! Elder Anderson and I really got serious with the scriptures. It's amazing how if you're doing the right things and praying for the guidance of The Spirit, The Spirit can lead you during your studies and reveal so much truth!! There is SO much to learn though. I don't have enough time to study! A whole lifetime isn't enough to dedicate your life to the gospel - let alone two years!! I can already tell it's gonna be hard coming home and having to make time for things other than the scriptures.

So I have been continuing to study faith right? Well, I have started highlighting in yellow every time faith, or an action/thought of faith is mentioned. My pages are filling up so quick!! Like I said last week, on the principal of faith alone rests the entire gospel and everything that we have! EVERY principal of this church can be related to faith. Try it yourself! Faith is so intregal. Check out this quote: "He does not believe that does not live according to his belief." -Thomas Fuller. I found this in the first presidency message from Thomas S. Monson in the January 2012 Ensign. Crazy no? I thought it was good. Like you all know, faith without works is dead (James 2:17). I wish I could share more about it!! Ah. Just study faith, people. If you've got some time, look at the relation between Alma 32: v. 36 (our work has barely begun!), v. 38 (neglecting), and v. 40-41 (contridiction between the two results).

Allright so first off, I'll just say real quick that I bid farewell to Elder Anderson and the rest of the Argentenian district - they're in Buenos Aires now. What an amazing week I had with Elder Anderson. He has the best heart - I know he's gonna be a great missionary. When they left Tuesday morning, I got put into my third and final district here - a trio!! I'm now with Elders Fenn and Atherton. E. Fenn is from Mesa, Arizona as well (He and E. Anderson knew eachother), and E. Atherton is from St. George. And guess where they're going?? McAllen, Texas! Crazy, no? I hope they love it, just like you did, Mom. Haha :) President Wilkins told me he's stuck me with these two to help balance out their struggling companionship. Elder Atherton has severe ADHD and moderate learning disorder, and so it's really hard to work/get things done with him. Even in only two days so far, I know it's gonna take a lot of patience.

I visited Dr. Darley yesterday. It was a real quick checkup - he said everything is healing just fine and I'm on track to leave on Valentines Day! My hearing has doubled in about the past week, and my hearing isn't near as muffled! Great news eh :) So now we've just gotta make sure we get a medical clearance from him and I'll be headed to Panama soon enough!! Mom, thanks for lettin me know about Pres. Ward and the whole mix-up down there. I informed the MTC too just in case and it looks like everything's gonna be just fine. Not gonna lie, I'm a bit nervous to fly by myself for the first time, but I'll say a prayer first. Haha :) I'll be ok. The airplane experience I've been waiting for all my life! It'll be fun :)

Speaking of Panama and all the fanfare goin on down there (Thanks for the letter from Elder Alley Mom), you'll be happy to know that I didn't miss out too much on Elder Nelson..... I don't know if you heard or not but this past Tuesday the Provo MTC celebrated their 50th anniversary here! And guess who came and spoke? Oh don't worry... Not only did Elder Nelson come and speak to us, but uh - Elder JEFFREY R. HOLLAND came!!!!! Yep. Be jealous. I have now seen two of my favorite apostles here while at the MTC (along with Elder Bednar). It was such a good meeting. Just like Elder Alley said - it's amazing The Spirit those apostles carry with them. They had such a presence! And although Elder Holland didn't get to speak for very long, it was powerful (like always). He spoke of our "obligation" to uphold our sacred calling and honor those who have gone before us. Dang peeps, it was just too good. Elder Nelson then proceeded to dedicate and re-dedicate some buildings here on the MTC campus. Also Dad, he talked about "What'eere thou art - act well thy part". And the dedication prayer - it was beautiful. I was SO lucky to be here for that! It almost kinda makes me happy I was delayed. Ha :)

Katie!!! What the! That is SUCH cool news about you singing in the Young Womens conference! Way to go!! That will be such an amazing experience for you. Elaine S. Dalton came and spoke to us a couple months ago and it's still one of my favorite talks I've heard while I've been here. If anyone deserves to sing, it's you Katie. Haha. Seriously - bienhecho.

So I just wanna thank you guys for that awesome package!! It was so so great. The letters from Scotty and Adam especially :) You guys are such studs. Thanks for the oreos, the V8, but most of all, a copy of my mission call. Mom, you wanna know something so great about you sending me that? Just a couple days earlier, we were all encouraged to "take another look at our mission calls" and re-look over the promises and blessings our calls contain. I didn't have one with me! I was disappointed. But sure enough, you sent me one without me even asking :) Thank you for following that prompting and sending me exactly what The Lord wanted me to read! It was perfect timing. So thanks again :) (P.S.... who's that quote by that you shared with me?)

I have continued to recieve tons of good wishes/letters from friends family and such and it's just overwhelming! I feel so loved and blessed. Seriously. Thank you everyone. I wish I had more time but my time is up!! Got stuff to do today :)

Love you!!!

-Elder Clarke

P.S.... my mailbox number has been permanently switched to mailbox #305 for the duration of my stay here.

P.S.... Big man Spencer Vernon. Poland!!!! What a champ. Felicidades, mi amigo. Bienvenidos a la obra. :)

Still chuggin . . . 1/26/12

Hello fam!

So good news! At my appointment yesterday, Dr. Darley told me they have identified what was growing in my ear - it was a growth called Aural Mucosal Polyp. Benign, and non-cancerous!! How great :) He also took out the staples in my ear, so thats nice. I have one heck of a scar. I'll send some pictures! The doctors also want to make sure I'm completely healed before I leave the country, so I will now be leaving on the 15th of Feb....... man. I think I'll be the first Elder ever to be here from Thanksgiving to Valentines. Haha. It's ok though. Thanks again everyone for your prayers and thoughts! Really, I appreciate it. I even recieved some letters from the webelos? (I think it was the webelos) in our ward! Thanks Karlinseys - that was real nice of you to send those :) And the Harris family!!! What studs. I plan on writing them back today. Thanks again.

So what'd you all think of snow finally falling (and sticking) this week eh?? Finally! I laughed when I heard you guys still hadn't taken down the Christmas tree :) Good for you. But I actually hadn't taken mine down either until I moved into a different room this week! Which brings me to my next point.....After my district left this past week, I got a new room, district and new companion! His name is Elder Anderson. He's from Mesa, Arizona and he's 21 years old. He's got such a willing heart. He's headed to Buenos Aires, Argentina next week and he's gonna be GREAT! We only get to be companions for a week but I'm grateful - it's been a good experience. I'm kind of a floater right now... I'll be moving into my third district next week.... haha.

Allright so now for somethin wicked sweet. Ready? This past Tuesday, we had Jose L. Alonso and his wife come speak to us for a devotional - he was recently called to the first quorum of the seventy. They're both hispanic and his wife can't speak English! So she had a translator. But the cool thing? I didn't need it! I seriously understood about 90% of everything she said!! I was so pleased with myself. It was good to know all the work is paying off :)

So I've been studying the topic of faith lately. Like, dedicating all my study time to learning more about faith and trying to improve my faith. And I've found some GEMS. Gems I tell you. (Aside from Enos of course - who can beat that? Jk haha) Have you ever read James chapter 1?! I'm not just talking about verse 5 - but the whole chapter?! Dang!!! No WONDER Joseph Smith prayed afterward! Verses 22-27 are my favorite: "But be ye DOERS of the word, and not hearers only...." I always knew faith was a principle of action, but dang! It gave me new perspective. and verse 27, talking about "pure religion"? Brilliance. I encourage you all to read James 1.

Secondly, Hebrews 11. Wooow. Such a great discourse on faith. Paul goes on to give countless examples of faith from prophets and stories in the Bible and why it's essential to 1) have faith centered on Christ, and 2) how we'll understand the work of God/work miracles. Amazing. Next on my list, I'm planning to read Alma 32 again :) Faith, people. Out of all the things an All-Perfect God could've based His gospel and His plan around, He chose to base it on faith. Why do you think that is? Ponder that. It is such a simple concept - but amazingly deep as well. Just think of it - it is by FAITH we work miracles, and by FAITH we use our priesthood effectively. It's a great thing. You could study and try to perfect your faith your whole life and not know everything. Study faith!

This letter is getting long so I should wrap it up, but Mom I just wanna say thanks for your encouraging words and sending me that scripture in John! It's so true - God will make manifest to me why the things that happen to me happen to me, and what to learn from them. I'm just excited to continue being an example to those around me while I'm still here at the MTC, and helping each of my companions come closer to Christ, and realize their purpose here as missionaries. I can't wait to find out the reason I've been kept here longer! Even if I don't figure it out for 20 years, it'll be so sweet when it all comes together :)

I love you all so much and I'm happy to hear you're all doing well!! I'm relieved Dad finally got his boot off!! Even walked home from church eh? Good for you! And Adam..... why are you so cool? Already reading the BOM at the age of 7? Really? Hero. And I just know Dave killed it when he sang the National Anthem at the bball game too - way to go brother. Usted es un jefe.

Have a great week and keep reading and praying!

-Elder Clarke

P.S..... Congrats Elder Rellaford! I now have two friends serving in Florida. Missions are so dang cool.

On the road to recovery . . . 1/21/12

Hola again!

Today is Saturday and this is the first day since my surgery where I've actually been able to get up and do stuff - the anethesia took a real hard toll on me this time. I've currently got staples holding my ear in place, and I have an appointment with Dr. Darley this upcoming Wednesday. Things seem to be progressing. Thanks so much for all the prayers and fasting! I know they're helping :) I'll be out in Panama soon enough - I know it! Also, thanks for the balloons and cookies Mom! You are so thoughtful :) And don't worry about me too much, I'll be fine.

Also, seeing as Elder Paskett and the rest of my district is leaving on Monday, tomorrow in church I will be assigned a new companion, new district, and perhaps even a new room! Exciting, eh? I think so. I'm excited to move into a younger district and really show them the ropes. I want to be the best example I can be to them and really make sure they're ready for the field. Whoever my new companion is, I'm going to plan on really emphasizing how to plan well, how to make goals, stress speaking spanish as much as possible, and also to make sure we are being obedient in every way possible. It's almost like I'm gonna be a trainer already :) haha. I'm excited.

So rewind a few days before surgery..... last Sunday night my district and I watched a phenomonal talk given by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland here at the MTC, entitled "Missions are Forever". I wrote down so many notes and it got me sooo pumped to leave!!! I will share more insights about that later - I'm planning on keeping those notes with me my entire mission.

And then later in the week (Wednesday) before I had surgery on Thursday, I got to be a host when the new missionaries came in! I got to introduce a brand-new missionary to his bedroom and classroom - he's speaking madrin chinese! So that was kind of fun :)

Also, this week I had a few incredible lessons with both Hno. Toone and Hno. Wiest. I'll start with Hno. Toone first.... this past week he gave us an incredible lesson on the importance of baptism and really helped us come to grips with our purpose as missionaries - and that's to baptize!!! I know it sounds like common sense, but I just saw the whole principle in a different light after he taught us. It was awesome :) Since that lesson and especially with all my surgeries too, Hno. Toone has continually checked up on me and has tried to be as helpful as he can to me in helping me continuing to improve here at the MTC.

Now on Wednesday night (the night before surgery) we had a incredible lesson on The Atonement with Hno. Wiest. If any of you have ever heard of the hands-on activity that goes along with this, you'll know what I mean. Hno. Wiest asked for a volunteer, and so naturally, I volunteered. We went out in the hall for a brief time and was told that I would be representing The Savior in this activity. As we entered the room, my teacher was handing out little "smartie" candies to everyone in my district. These "smarties" represented sins, and in order for their "sins" to be taken away, I had to do 3 push-ups for every "smartie" eaten. To make a long story short, I ended up doing 169 push-ups! It was completely exhausting. My body still hurts from it! Haha. But it was an amazing way to relate to Our Savior and the sacrifices he had to make for us. We finished that class period first by having a mini testimony meeting, and finally ended by watching "Finding Faith in Christ" in spanish - it was just an incredible night all around.

Lastly, I met another Panamanian! He is from Florida and is headed to Panama on his mission with my district. His name is Elder Mendez and he's originally from Puerto Rico, so he's pretty much fluent in spanish. It was fun to meet with him though :) I talked in spanish with him and he told me he was really impressed with my spanish! So I think that's a good thing :) I'll see him again down in Panama in a few weeks once my ear heals up :)

This email is getting really long but I just wanted to congratulate a couple friends! First of all the Maddix family on Mitchell's baptism!! It's SUPER cool that Matt got to baptize him :) What a cool thing. I'm sure it was just awesome. And also Jared Hall!! Goin to Tokyo Japan?!? Crazzzzy. What studs. I have the coolest friends in the world.

Well I hope everyone is doing well with everything, and good luck with school Mom and kids! Dad, I hope your foot is doin better too. I love you all!!!

Your son,

-Elder Clarke

An interesting week.... 1/12/12

It has been an interesting week......

 

So first things first - you're probably all wondering how my surgery went yesterday. Well..... I know it's depressing but.... I still can't hear. Yep, that's right. The surgery didn't fix the problem. As it turns out, when the surgeons went in to drain my ear, they found lots of extra soft skin tissue which has grown over my ear - and they hadn't seen it before!! So it was way unexpected. They said they "think" it's extra tissue... but they don't really know what it is. So they took a piece of it out during surgery and are running tests on it right now to make sure it's not cancerous or anything. So I might end up having to get another surgery once they find out what the tissue is. It's super lame..... but ya know. God puts us through trials only to bring us higher. (On the bright side, I woke up from surgery and subconciously started talking in spanish to the nurse!!! Soo sweet hahah)

So now for some fun stuff!! (sorry if the surgery stuff is at all depressing)

Before I begin, I want to wish 1) Grandpa (the 4th), 2) Dad (the 8th), and 3) Mom (yesterday) a happy happy birthday!!!!!! I hope they were great. And I hope Grandpa enjoyed his letters from everyone :) Feliz cumpleanos, todos personas.

So this past Monday, our district had a GREAT lesson at night with Hno. Warburton. He shared with us some more of his missionary stories - He served in Long Beach, California, spanish speaking. He was an INCREDIBLE missionary!! I got me SO excited so leave. So pumped. He also challenged us to make and complete one goal every day until we leave, and we will continue to progress.

Then yesterday as I was studying Enos and his short account, realized what a STUD he is! Like really, Enos? What a man. What a man. He showed such faith and charity! He wanted his bretheren the Lamanites to be saved! And he had such faith!! If I had more time, I would go deeper into why he is the man. But really, if you're ever having trouble with your faith or prayers, look no farther than Enos. He is a great example of faith.

Next, I think I found my life motto. It's a quote by David O. McKay. I've shared it with Dad already, but I love it. "The Spirit compels us to want to be great. We can't have The Spirit and be content with being average." Isn't that crazy sweet?! I have decided I'm basing my life around that quote right there. It's perfect.

Oh Mom! We got two new districts in our zone! And guess what? Some of them are going to McAllen, Texas - spanish speaking!! I thought of you :)

Speaking of you, Mother, it was so great to be able to call you about the surgery :) I hope you weren't too freaked out when you picked up the phone and heard my voice. Really though, it was wonderful to talk with you :) Also, thank you for all the important info about insurance, new phone #, etc. I will check out the deal with my 3rd suitcase, and no.... I don't need any more treats :) You are so nice though, thank you.

Well I'm out of time for today, I'm sorry I couldn't write much! I've got to go prepare for el templo! Things are real busy these days - we're getting ready to leave!! Yay! Thank you all so much for your prayers! They really do help me! I love you all so much and I pray for you all too, every night :) Have a wonderful week!! Keep reading and praying! The church is true!

- Elder Clarke

Oh P.S.... I got an email from Elder Farnsworth this week! What a guy. He's doing great and we'll probly email eachother every week from here on out.

1/5/12

Well, another week has passed. I am starting to become anxious here I think..... I want to go to Panama!! Hah.

This week has gone all right. My language progression has started to slow down though, and that is not good. I have been trying to speak Spanish with my District full-time, but at times I really have struggled lately. But as I rely on The Lord moving forward, I know he can help me. Under "Prayer" in the bible dictionary, it tells us that He is waiting to bless me - all I have to do is ask... and then DO. Never forget the DO part. Faith is a principle of action. I am continuing to learn through the scriptures, PMG, and most importantly, turn to my Father in Heaven for help every day! I am just happy I get to go to the Temple today and refocus. It's been closed the past two weeks!! (Because of Christmas and such) So I have been itching to go back :)

I want to tell you about an AMAZING experience I had on Monday. So Elder Paskett and I were teaching an investigator named Martha. Martha (about 17) had read the BOM, and knew she needed to get baptized, but was really struggling to commit to it. So we were in the midst of a lesson trying to help her recognize why she needed to take that "leap of faith", so to speak, and come unto Christ through baptism. She finally agreed that she knew she needed to get baptized, and said she would - but then the real concern came out. She was worried about her family and friends accepting her and what people would think of her at school. As she was explaining this, I had the impression to flip open to D&C 122. I then proceeded to share a portion of the last verse of that chapter with her which states: "Fear not what man can do....". As I read these last few lines of a chapter that talks all about Joseph Smith and his experiences in Liberty Jail, The Spirit poured over the room!! It was so incredible. She even started crying! It was EXACTLY the scripture she needed to hear, and she shortly thereafter committed to a date for baptism. How incredible The Spirit is. If we are open to It, and listen to It's promptings, He will guide the lesson, and help the investigators hear what they need to hear. It was a perfect confirmation to me that I am doing the right things out here, and that I am worthy of The Spirit's promptings. I am so glad The Lord trusts me enough to have His Spirit work through me. It was special, folks.

Now a few fun things that have happened. Me and my fellow Panamanians found a native!! From Panama! He grew up there and his family is there. He is a teacher here at the MTC, and served his mission in Phoenix. His name is Hermano Reading, but has lots of family back in Panama by the last name of Lezcano. It was so fun to talk to him. He told us a whole bunch of stuff about what to expect, he showed us pictures, and ya. Just a sweet guy. This past week I also saw Elder Garrison Elliott! He was in my study group in Sociology at BYU. I saw him at a devotional from across the room, and went up and talked to him! It was kind of a cool reunion :) Another Elder, Elder Zack Gillies arrived at the MTC this week. Football guy from AF. He's goin to Anaheim, and he's super-excited to be here. Lastly, I saw Daniel Rellaford! What a guy. He works here, and I saw him on my way to lunch a few days ago. He said he'd say hi to you guys for me :)

Oh!! I almost forgot!! Last Saturday while I was playing ball at gym, Elder Ralph and I head-butted by accident, and my head got sliced open. To make a long story short, I GOT TO GO GET STITCHES!! Four stitches above my left eyebrow. It was super-fun :) I think Satan is trying to annoy me by hurting me. But it doesn't phase me. I like scars. I will send a picture :)

Thanks for sending me that excerpt from Elder Alley, Mom. I can't wait to go!!! I think it's cool The Amazing Race was in Panama too! Thanks for watching it for me, everyone :)

Sorry that this email isn't longer, but I'm all out of time! Hope you are all doing well and I love you all!!! So much! Keep reading the scriptures and praying fervently! Personally and as a family! They are the base of living the gospel.

- Elder Clarke

P.S..... I found out that when I leave for Panama, they only allow me two suitcases, not three. So before I leave I will send the littlest one home with Sis. Belliston with some stuff I won't need in Panama. Speaking of her, thank you for sending my watch!!!! Mom and Dad, you're the best :) Also, the sweats are sweet. And the medicine. Thanks so much guys - really!

P.S.S...... I almost forgot to mention New Years! Sorry haha. I just went to bed at 10:30 - it wasn't anything too special. Hope yours was great! I hope Dave got a New Years kiss, and I can't believe it's already 2012!!