Hello all.

Well I made it safely here to San Bernardino. The flight went by really fast, and when we landed our President and his wife were waiting for us. They are really nice, and I think I am going to like them a lot.We sat through some orientation meetings, ate some lunch, took pictures (ill figure out a way to send them to you) and then we met our companions/trainers.

My comps name is Sister Rathgreber...thats wrath-gray-bur... She is from New York. She doesnt really understand the concept of personal privacy and property. She doesnt really give herself any bounderies. Her name is Alli too. She is overly confident with herself, and is constantly talking about how good she is, or how Elders always end up liking her and she has to set them straight. I think some of it is just all in her head, but for her sake I will just let it stay there. She does connect with people really well, and has a gift to be able to teach, I really admire that, and hope I learn alot from her. She is loud and talks a lot. Which is good, but bad too because it kind of overpowers me and then I end up not saying too much.

Our first day (yesterday) we came back to the apartment, kinda ghetto, but not too bad. Then we had an appointment to go teach this family...4 sisters and a brother. The youngest sister is 11 and her name is Madeline, then a sister in 10th grade her name is Talia. THey were the only two there yesterday. I havent met the older sisters and Brother. Then after that we went to dinner at a members home. The Bravo family. They are from Ecuador, so they made some kind of Mexican dish. We have dinner appointments pretty much every night. My comp said she has gained about 25 pounds. She just keeps saying that now that she has a skinny companion I have to help her be skinny too...doesnt really make sense to me but oh well. After dinner we tried to go to less active peoples homes, but no one was home. So, we went and met the ward mission leader. Brother van.. something. Their house was... well disgusting. Junk and trash and stink everywhere. They seem like a nice family though. I almost want to teach them about how "cleanliness is next to godliness" ...but I guess its not my place. Thank goodness I had parents who taught me that. I may have to teach my companion a little about how to clean a shower. :)

Today is P-day (wednesday), this morning was study time and what not...and for the first time since I left I sort of broke down. I was reading preach my gospel to my comp, and I just started crying. I wasnt really sure why, but the tears started flowing. I think it is just a little overwhelming, and I dont want to let anyone (including the Lord) down. But my comp and I talked and I feel better. One day at a time, I guess. I am really starting to rely on the Lord to help me and give me strength.

My comp wants to go play volleyball with the Elders today for like 4 hours. Not exactly what I had in mind, but maybe Ill play for a bit then write some letters. So I think email is for pretty much anyone, so you can do either one. I like letters, but emails are great too. When you send packages send them priority mail... not fed ex or ups, they will only deliver those at zone conference.Well I am excited to be here, and I am praying harder than I have ever prayed before. I need your prayers too! I need all the help I can get out here. I love you all so much. I miss you, keep the letters coming.

Our president challenged us to read the Book of Mormon in 6 weeks (one transfer) so thats 12 pages a day. We are to highlight any promised blessings that the Lord gives Lehi and his descendents. So feel free to read along with us. :)talk to you later!

LOVE
Sister Aly Cain.

P.S. when you do write letters be sure to address them to 'sister aly cain' so that they know exactly who it goes to. thanks.