The FIRST letter

Hola madre! Well it's a super busy place here at el CCM en Provo. I am doing pretty well here! My companion is elder Holmstead from Maryland, and he is really cool...he is easy to talk to and reminds me a lot of myself, so that's good! My district is really awesome...most of us are going to St. George, so I'll be seeing them a lot these next two years! Also, I am the District Leader! They said that I was the one that needed to be chosen, that I have something I need to give to the other 5 companionships in the district. It's busy and mentally frustrating at times, pero it is fun and I know this is where I need to be! I'm sleeping and eating well, and the only real problem I have right now is my spanish. I feel so behind, even though I won't compare myself to others. I can barely say a few easy sentences, simple prayers, and simple testimonies. I need some advice! I believe the gift of toungues is real, and perhaps it's too soon in my mission to verify that. Esta bien! Suggestions are nice! I'm not to worried about home, but I would like to be updated on things going on. Is andrew still there? Are you renting out the house yet? I could write a million more things, but I only have 30 minutes for email. So if you need anything, just ask! Also, I cannot send pictures here at the MTC, so I will have to upload a bunch in August I guess. Since I'm district leader, I'm the one who checks the mail each day for the district. I have only gotten one letter...from you! So thanks, but I would like to hear from others. It brightens my day and keeps me happy, because Satan tries as hard as he can to discourage me every single minute here, but I'm fighting him off! Yo que se la iglesia es verdadero! Thanks mom, I love you!

Con amor, Elder Payne :)

P.S. Dear Elder works pretty well, and it gives me a hard copy of letters that I can read at my convenience. I cannot print emails here, so if you want, you can use Dear Elder. Either way, I just want to keep in touch!