Dear Jacob,
Let me know if you don't want the BYU football updates, at least not the ones I sent you.
It's good to hear from you more often now. We worry sometimes and this takes away the worry from us. I hope it is not a burden writing those letters. I remember talking to the mission doctor on my mission. I remember feeling so low that I went into the bathroom to cry. At that time we lived in a Studio apartment and the bathroom was the only place to get some privacy. I called the doctor and he mentioned doing some breathing exercises. He also taught me a triangle something but I forget how that went. I actually went to see a doctor in Boone on my mission. I remember it well, because I didn't really feel sick, however, that was when I was comparing myself to an interstellar missionary like Elder Porter (who I was with at the time) and I wasn't doing myself any favors. The doctor was a member so he understood the feelings I was feeling and the structure of being on a mission. I remember being in the waiting room. I still have the doctor receipt from when I visited the doctor at the time (at least I think so).
Feeling terrible on the mission is one of the worst feelings. Especially the feelings of helplessness. My third companion, E. Yorgason, broke his leg with me. First of all, the drive back to the hospital was very stressful. When he finally got a cast and was on meds, we couldn't go out so much. He was pretty loopy as well. He had to walk with crutches, which made winter in the unhospitable land of Iowa, a pretty dangerous place. We would slide around houses on the ice that formed from melting snow the day before. It was just an all around crazy experience. He was only on meds the first day because of the pain, but after he got the cast, he was alright. Anyways, I guess I'm just trying to tell you is that everything will be alright. Things just take time to heal, is all.
Life here is great. I'm spending most of my free time with Sarah these days. The house is somewhat off limits, especially if dad wants to lounge around in garments. After we got home from our fourth Self-reliance classes, we brought out my computer on the front lawn and watched "One Good Man." I think you will remember it. It's about the man with a six kid family that becomes a bishop and the trials and experiences that befall him. My favorite scene from that movie is when his daughter is getting married to a man with non-member parents and he selflessly offers to stay outside with the in-laws and miss his daughter's wedding. I remember that the first time I watched it, I thought, man, I want to be like him someday, humble and selfless.
Mom and Dad took us out to eat. We had originally decided to go to El Pollo Rico, the hospitality lane peruvian restaurant in San Bernardino, but it was the busiest we had ever seen it. The food wait was over an hour long. We then drove back to Fontana and went to Mucho Gusto instead. Both Sarah and I got Tallarin Saltado (and Sarah's had a lot of juice) and Mom and Dad both got the Lomo Saltado. This was two days after Peru played Argentina. Dad was extremely happy about the outcome between them both which was a 0-0 tie because in tournament points, it puts Peru in the top 5, kicking Argentina out of the World Cup. Also, in the stats, Argentina had like 15 goal attempts but Gallese, the goalie was super amazing and blocked all the goals. The stats said that Peru had only like 2 or so goal attempts.
BYU scored the first touchdown, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough. It did look pretty hopeful for a time, but we got outscored. I'm glad you are not here to see this particularly bad season because you'd be banging your head against the wall the whole time. Sarah Rebecca, on the other hand, is loving just watching the games with me, so, I'll keep her. I've really gotten her into loving the BYU football, even with the crappy season. And, even though they are doing poorly, I still like watching my cougars fight (even if they're not putting up a big one).
It's pretty crazy that I'm going to get married. Everything is so surreal. We booked the temple on Tuesday for December 30th. We're still in the process of making sure we have the Stake Center. We'll probably call tomorrow again to see if it is available. We're going to talk about where we are going to live and about engagement pictures and all the things. I still really can't believe this is happening, that I'll be with the girl of my dreams in less than 90 days. We still need to get a marriage license, which is something we'll probably do this week.
OH, and we went to the temple on Wednesday to do sealings. So, we were at the altar as a couple, which was pretty cool to hold my sweetheart's hand and perform that ordinance.
Anyways, I hope this letter finds you well, my brother. I know good things are coming out of you.
I love you,
John
