Eric's e-mail dated 9/1/08

Holy Crap,

My UTES!!!!!!!!!!! ha, Michigan!! Were they ranked when we beat them? Were we supposed to win? who do we play next? That is wonderful. WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAA. I am screaming on the inside right now ( if it were to be vocal that would attract way to much attention, white man screaming at a computer monitor?) Oh baby. I am sure we will be ranked now. oh and go justin.

Matthew, my man. I heard it was good. I am way excited to hear about Canada and what missionary life is like there. Enjoy your last week at home and I want your writing address and your email address as soon as possible.

I am sorry to hear that Jessica passed away. I didn't really know her that well but death is never a fun thing to endure. President monson talks about death in Augusts Ensign. I know that heavenly father loves jessica and her family and I hope that it brings them closer together in this time of trial. Let the family know that I love them and pray for them.

Yes I did recieve my package this week. I got a backpack, cd player, journal, and 4 bags of goodies. and a letter. Thank you so much. my companion wants to know how much he needs to pay me so just let me know. I i don't really "need" anything because my basic needs are covered-food, clothing, and shelter.

So my saturday was good as well. WE baptized 4 young people into the church of jesus christ of latter-day saints. I was a long day because we started the day with a service project at 7 in the morning. We cleaned a hospital and let me tell you I never want to go to a hospital here. But it is clean now. Sharing testimony is powerful. We went to go and visit one of our baptism candidates after the service and we met with his uncle. We briefly had talked to him before and gave him some pamphlets to read. Suprisingly when we met with him again he had many questions about joseph smith and the book of mormon. We took the opportunity to teach him the first lesson, but he seem unsatisfied with his questions. He persisted in asking more questions. We answered a couple but he still wasn't accepting. I began to bear testimony about joseph smith and the book of mormon and after his questions had ceased. he committed to pray and read the BOM. But I was amazed at how effective a testimony can be. it reminds me of what preach my gospel says "teach and testify, there is no better combination"

The Church is true. Oh and president Golden is coming to visit the mission on saturday. i think you said you know him. that is neat and i will let you know how it goes. i love you and good bye.

Elder Degen