Letter Dated June 19, 2009

"Well things are still going well and the days are going by faster and faster. Thank you so much for all the letters and packages you have sent me. It keeps me going. I have also heard from Megan, Ty, and Steve and it was awesome to see how they are doing. I enjoyed Stephen telling me all about his experiences at the MTC. It was really cool to hear and compare. I also really enjoyed seeing those pictures you sent from when you were on your mission, dad. Those were really fun to see. Well I guess I'll tell you about my news. First of all San Francisco was awesome. We did not have a whole lot of time after going to the Consolate, but I was able to take down two double-doubles, animal style, at In-and-Out Burger. It was a good change from the cafeteria food we eat three times a day (although the cafeteria food really isn't that bad). Also in San Francisco, we were able to tour the Warf and one of the Sisters was even scared by the bushman that scared Dad on our trip there. Overall it was really good to get outside the MTC walls, but it really caused me to realize how big of a responsibility it is to be a missionary because really everyone would stare at us. It was also really awesome when members would excitedly stop us and talk with us, something I'm guessing won't happen a lot in France, but who knows. Well in other news as of Sunday, I am the district leader of my district. This is because the previous district leader and his companions now are transitioning into the roll of Zone Leaders. It is so weird because all the "older" group is shipping out early next week leaving us to fill the rolls of responsibility when it feels like we haven't been here long enough to fill those rolls, but it will be good. Dad, I did get a glimps of how it would be to be a bishop last night when I interviewed my district. Of course, their problems are not as serious I would imagine, but it really can be a bit stressful trying to help everyone be happy. I will be alright though because we have a lot of awesome people in this district. French is going well still. I probably need to work harder because there is so much to learn in this language, but it is coming. I had a really good lesson that I taught to my teacher in French so I felt really good about that. And we are now done with our teaching experiment and we have French instruction from our teachers everyday. They are throwing it at us at rapid fire so luckily there are tutors to help us out. It really is cool because the more I learn the more excited I get to speak this language and get to France even thougt I probably won't understand them no matter how much I study. We really have awesome teachers who are pareparing us as best as possible. Well thanks again for all the things you have sent to me and all the letters. I always love hearing from you all. Amy good luck with your surgery recovery. I imagine you have already had it. I will be thinking and praying about/for you. Thanks again for everything,
Elder Ritter