WEEK 96

Hello/Hola/Kumusta/Salut everyone!

First and foremost, it is said that USPS has changed their forwarding regulations. if you wish to write me with the time I have left please be sure to send all parcels to my address in Vallejo. Anything sent to Santa Rosa or any past addresses will only take a longer time for me to receive--if I receive them at all. 

You more than likely know what today marks so there's no need to explain. It makes my hair stand up. It seems as though the closer my time comes to an end, the more I feel like I am leaving a home I will have spent two years building, which covers: Kelseyville, Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Winters, Dixon, Fairfield, Arcata, and now Vallejo. You all wouldn't mind if I stayed in California for an extra 30 days, right? :)

Things in Vallejo have been going well for the last three weeks. Some stories are better if saved for home. We've been meeting a lot of good people and we've been teaching quiet a few people as well, which helps me brush up on my Spanish. I find that if I think it out and speak s-l-o-w my thoughts and words are better understood. Tonight we'll be having a Family Home Evening at a part member family's home, we'll be teaching one man some English tomorrow, and we have a few other appointments throughout the week, things are good.

One difference from my time in Winters as a Spanish missionary and now is instead of starting a Spanish congregation there is already one here. The members come from many different places such as Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. My companion and I cover the north side of Vallejo and another set of missionaries cover the south. One of them, Elder Cabeza de Vaca, is from Ecuador. And yes, his last name does translate to cow head. The name might seem familiar to those of you who enjoy historic explorers.

I did have a happy birthday and the members here did a little something for me. Thank you for the cards, packages, e-mails, thoughts, and whatnot. A special thanks to those of you who might have things in the works. My time is up for now. I hope to send you all another little note next week!

With love,

Elder Gallegos

WEEK 93

Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, readers of all ages: My time in the beautiful county of Humboldt has come to a stop in regards to this journey. It is a time of mixed emotions as always. I am sad 'cause after much labor we were beginning to see a lot of great things happen. However, I know that my work there for the time being is done and I know that Elders Stevens & Tubbs will continue to do great things there. I have not experienced a town like Humboldt and it's definitely one that many should come, see, and do their part to help the people there. I'm certain I will return there in the foreseeable future.

My current (and possibly final) assignment/adventure has taken me to Vallejo. I am back to working on my Spanish and I am companions with Elder Brough--I served around him in Fairfield. This e-mail is a bit late and short, because yesterday was a day like no other. We left from Eureka to Santa Rosa at 8 AM. During the drive the car began making an unusual noise. The driver and co-driver got out and checked it a couple times, tried a few things, and we were back on the road. The tire then began to act up and we stopped in Miranda.

The results ended up being a tire malfunction. Thankfully, nothing too dangerous happened and the biggest effect it had was putting us 5 hours behind schedule. We arrived in Santa Rosa at 6 and Elder Christensen and I drove into Vallejo at 8 PM. After a long evening, my companion and I are in the process of getting everything in order and getting to work!

I cannot believe that this will all come to an end in 12 weeks. Although I have come all the way up to this point every transfer (and ever day for that matter) feels like a new beginning. The time period may seem short but little things on a daily basis bring about great things! I'm excited for what is to come and to keep you all informed. I know, I know! I've said that countless times, but I definitely look forward to filling you all in on what happens during these last twelve weeks.

I wish you all a great week. <3

E.G.