Update

Hola all!!!!
Sooo much to talk about... Well after I got in after my flight, I was able to stay at the lovely apartment of President and sister Hacking! :D I was sooo nervous, no one here speaks any english! Sister Hacking took us to the store and taught us how to shop economically, how colombian pesos translate to USDs and such... 10,000 pesos is divided by two. So... 5 dollars=10,000 (or 10mil) pesos. Some things are more expensive than others, american made stuff (or at least american brands) Like Campbells, is 4 dollars where it would be .99 cents or less in america. But the stuff made here, is definitely cheaper. The spanish is coming faster by live here, for sure. I'm not in Bogota, but north, in Bucaramanga. Bogota didn't have any humidity at all but Bucaramanga does. It's okay though! It's not Arizona/Texas hot!! :) I had to register with migration, amongst other things the first day I was here, we also had orientation when that picture was taken, the to-dos and not to-dos of the mission. Simple stuff really.
Well, it was a 9 hour bus ride to Bucaramanga, ugh, it was rough... The area is beautiful, as seen in the photos, the other photo is of my companion and his first convert.
I love the people here already, they're so polite. Even when they don't want our message. They understand that I can't talk spanish well either. It's stressful though. I don't feel like I'm working, per say. Mainly my companion figures out what to say and do because... well I can't.
Again, I love the area, my companion, the people, and no complaints, save it be one... the language. There's not a whole lot to say when your companions only speak spanish. :P
Today, as a zone, we bowled. I never would've thought there would be a bowling alley here, but there is!! We normally do some sort of activity on Mondays as a refresher. There's a lot of exotic fruits, drinks, etc etc. I just had some churizzo dogs today. and I don't think I've had a single normal meal here, except Subway the first day. We've had fish soup to... I think they're called Latinas? They're like jello, I honestly have no idea... I'm loving it. No winter, I got my first sunburn, ahhh Viva la vida.
I know this is a splurge of info, it's hard to sum up a week into a message within an hour!!!
Also, if you send a letter, please send one with your email address, as I can't send letters because they cost about 40 usd to send.
Love you all, thanks for the support,
Your missionary,
Elder Patrick.

Hola!

Hola Everyone!!
This is my last 24 hours in the states, this time tomorrow I'll be on a plane headed for South America. To be honest, I felt like the time went slow, at the time, but here I am now! Swoosh! Fast... My time here has been priceless, it's the experience of a lifetime, and this isn't even the best part. While I've been here: I have encountered the spirit in miraculous ways, I have found more of myself and my purpose, I have grown even closer to my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, but there's still a ways to go, and I've gained a greater love for those around me, to name a few. Thank you so much, to everyone who's sent me letters, emails, and suppot. I can talk, for the most part, in spanish!! It's a miracle! Who knew I could actually learn a language! We've heard from four apostles since I've been here. I've been truly blessed with this experience. It's been fun here. If you're in the church, and my age... go on a mission. If you're in the church, and retired... go on a mission with your spouse! If you're in the church and any age, read the Book of Mormon! and if you're not in the church, get baptized, you'll be glad you did! Thanks again for all your support in my life, I am who I am today because of you.
Love you,
Elder Patrick.