First of many from Dodge City 2nd Branch

Hey everyone,

I'm am out of the MTC and into the field! Its wonderful to talk with
real people and to walk the streets and really to just be in reality
again. The language is a slight barrier, there are a lot of people
from Guatemala here, and they speak quickly, and its fairly difficult
to understand at times. But i wouldn't trade this opportunity for the
World!

Things are going well here, My companion is nearing the end of his
mission, and he can't believe where the time has gone, and for this
reason, we're working hard every day, last night, when we finished
planning, i didn't even make it to the bed, I crashed on the couch,
until my companion woke me up at around 10:20 and had me move to my
bed!!

We teach on average about 3.5 lessons a day, and talk with about 20-40
people that we just see on the street, but its never enough, we've got
to keep going, find better ways to talk to people, and understand what
God wants us to do to use our time most effectively.

I have spent 3 days in Dodge, and we have done more that i thought
would have been possible while in the MTC, So everyone knows, i would
like all mail to be sent to the mission office and then they will
forward it to me, in whichever area i happen to be in. Dad, i didn't
get my bike, but the people that you ordered it through lent me a
loaner for a little while until it comes in, then we'll see how i can
get it from them, as i am in a different state, haha, i'm in a
different time zone!!

I would like to share with you what i've learned over this week, Time
is Short, and this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God
(citation required Jeanine please fill it in for me [I think he means Alma 12:24 or Alma 34:32]) We will work
hard, and that is wonderful, but time really does fly, before any of
us know it i'll be done with my mission, and when i come back, i hope
that all of you will have done something while I'm gone. Find
something that will change you life or the lives of those you care
about and do it! Share what you know and allow others to grow. This
life isn't a contest, we will only grow as much as we allow others
around us to grow. share your knowledge, share your experience, love
those around you, we're all brothers and sisters, children of our
loving Heavenly Father.

I love all of you, and I know that you're doing whats best for your
future, and for yourselves right now.

Please write, i haven't heard from anyone since leaving the MTC!!

I'll Talk to you all soon

Elder Eric Eyre