E-mail dated 10/20/08

Degen Family:

How are we doing this week? From what it sounds things are going very well. Sorry you couldn't go to St. George and enjoy, but hanging out ht home is just as fun. So before I answer questions this time I'm going to go over my week and maybe some of your questions will be answered whilst you read. Elder Kpodi and I are finding ways to make the work progress here and we found a way to teach even more lessons in one day. We went on splits with branch missionaries for the whole day on wednesday. Combined we ended up teaching eleven lessons. The branch missionary I went with introduced me to this white couple from Kentucky (Yes pa, Kentucky) who are here helping to solve the child malnutrution problem. The are planning to set up a factory that produces a formula to help the children with malnutrition. They will stay here as long as it takes (bless their hearts). I had the opportunity to teach them the first lesson. It was very weird teaching a non-seirra leonean. I'm pretty sure I was called to teach the africans and not americans. but all the same we will see if we can help them in thier efforts to make this country better.

The rest of the week wasn't bad. I went on splits a couple of other days with the District and Zone leader. Today for P-day we played volleyball and ate fufu (some food that none of you would ever eat). There are 4 couples in this mission. 2 in freetown and two in liberia.

I need a washing machine, air conditioner, milk, ice cream, pizza, 24 power, and running water all the time for Christmas. But that is not possible so make sure you send me some contact solution. don't forget the contact solution.

I haven't seen any snakes yet. I've seen plenty of frogs. We have cockroaches in the apartment. I see geckos in the apartment sometimes too. I've never seen monkeys running the streets. Of course its lawful to have them as pets. I know of some missionaries in the past that have had them as pets. And people here love to eat them. I'm getting plenty to eat. I've gained like 5 pounds. Everything else is fine. I'm glad to hear to great news about the utes (grandpa is rolling over in his grave right now, laurie and brittany at the game?).

I love you all.

Elder Degen