Sept 19 2013

Hola Everyone,

Man! I cant believe I am almost out of here. It feels like I have been here for 10 years but at the same time it feels like it has flown by. Either way, I'm more excited than ever to get to Ecuador. I think I am also more nervous to go there than I was to come to the CCM but that's OK. I'm still pretty bad at both Spanish and futbol so I'm pretty much the most unprepared person ever. As far as Spanish goes I feel pretty confident talking about the gospel in my Tarzan dialect but talking about anything else is pretty hard. I'm really good at soccer as long as the ball doesn't come toward me. This week has flown by so fast it is crazy. This last weekend was the Mexican Independence celebration. I got to learn a lot about Miguel Hidalgo and the story of their long fight against Spain. On Saturday and Sunday we got to watch some performers do some dancing and traditional stuff like that, we also got to watch the president of Mexico ring the bell on TV. It was awesome to finally see a lot of Mexican culture, I am so sheltered (imprisoned) here that I don't even feel like I am in Mexico sometimes. I will attach some pics at the end of this email. ¡Viva Mexico!

Besides that it has been the same thing it always is. My district has been into the match people to movie characters game. Here is some of mine: Prince charming from shrek, the cricket from Mulan, Luke Skywalker, Legolas, Flash, Dash, Draco Malfoy, and like a billion others I cant remember off the top of my head. I always get stuck with the blond air-heads! My district has actually gotten a little better at studying thankfully. But I am thankful that they were too much fun rather than too much focused. I have cried like every other day here because they make me laugh so hard. That is probably the reason I have really enjoyed my time here. But I might have not survived without frosted flakes. I actually did the math to get a rough estimate on how many bowls of frosted flaked Ive eaten during the six weeks Ive been here but I am too embarrassed to tell you what it is.

That's about Ill I got. I'm sure next week Ill have a lot more to say. They are letting me email again on Monday so I might send some pics out if any photo opportunities come in the next four days. But if you guys email me before then I would love you forever cause it would give me something to do that day. I also got my mail! Yay! I replied to a lot of the letters plus a couple like two weeks ago, but I really don't know if you will ever see it. The mail here is a joke. Ive heard it will be better in South America and I really hope so. But if any of you get my letters let me know. Steve, your pics look insane. Shane, are you on another planet? The next time you here from me I will be in Ecuador!

Mi Familia,

Thanks for the package! It was the greatest thing ever!

Dad- Zendo sounds like a fun dog. And if I ever make a Spanish mistake in my emails please correct me

Mom- Speaking of Sisters in Zion the group that performed for us did a Mexican version of the efy medley. The arrangement was very different from what I am used to and it was awesome. And yes I will get to call you the night I fly out. But my flight is like 2:15 am Mexican time. I will get more details and mail you on Monday. Keep working on Spanish

Audrey- Sounds like you had a poopy week. Buck up little Buckeroo!

Ian- The Bee Gees costume is awesome isn't it?

Alicia- You get funnier every week

Isaac- Keep playing basketball. But the time I get back you will probably be able to dunk it

I have learned and grown so much here in Mexico and I have met many people that have had an incredible influence on me. I am so excited to be a real missionary instead of a missionary in training. I am grateful for you all and all the support you give me.

¡Yo sé que el Evangelio es verdadero!

I miss you all and pray for you everyday.

-Elder AJ Durrant

Pics: Independence fiesta, A cool street on the way to the temple, Elder Funks last day here a few weeks ago, and a really cool pic of some trees and mountains.