Monday, November 23rd

Hello from Zapata! What a surprise! I REALLY did not expect
to get transferred...but here I am.

Zapata is a really small town. We have a little branch that is
struggling. Yesterday at church we had 8 of us, that's with the
missionaries, and the branch president...who has to travel an
hour down here every Sunday. We had 4 members from the
area come. It's small, but I'm excited to be here and to help
out. I really feel like this is where the Lord wants me.

So, the closest missionaries to my companion and I are an
hour away. It will definitely be a unique challenge, but I'm
looking forward to it.

My companion's name is Elder Mauricio Velez. This is his s
econd transfer. He's from Whittier, California. So, it's a really
small world. Apparently, Royal Meservy was their stake
patriarch. He helped Elder Velez' parents get settled in the
states. They really love the Meservy's... so...here's to hoping
I don't mess up the good family name :)

Well, I do enjoy things here in Zapata. I will probably be in
this area for quite awhile. We'll see though. I really can't
wait to keep working here. It should be a great opportunity.

Well, I love you all, and I appreciate all of your love and
concern for me.

Love,
Elder John