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Have 10 to write this email


The Internet Cafe closes in 10 minutes. But I wanted to write a quick email to thank all of you for all the support you have given me throughout my life. I cannot be enough grateful for each of you and how you have shaped who I am today. After 19 years at home, so many of you helped me just with your smile or your great example. 
The mission is tough. And it is definitely really hard to live with the same person for 7 weeks straight 24/7. I have learned how to be more patient and to talk to Elder Rosas when there is something small that is bothering me. And he has stopped what was bothering me instantly. It is amazing how a small thing could bother me and make me mad sometimes. It was that he said "I do not care" a lot. I do not know why it made me mad but it did. It took some courage to talk to him about it but I feel so much better ever since I did. We are in Juarez right now.. The actually city city. For a council for the 3 branches in our mission. I am excited to learn more about the changes with the youth programs that the church has made. And am hoping I can get one of those brown rings with the temple. They really are so cool. Since my companion is the Branch President I am sure I will be able to figure it out.
A young man in our branch got his mission call and is going to Oklahoma City speaking Spanish. He already knows Spanish and English. He really is going to be a great missionary because every time he bares his testimony I just feel the spirit so strong. It made me wonder if I could attain that same presence that he has. He is just so strong in the Gospel and loves it so much. He knows the truth and he knows what he is saying is true. And I do TOO! His name is Jared Gonazalez. He will be a great missionary. The sad thing is he leaves ten days before his brother gets home...
Marisol is doing great. She wants to pay her tithing again. She says she is still not ready for baptism. Elder Rosas gave her the perfect invitation to pray for something specific of she should be baptized or not. She still has not gotten her answer but we told her to keep praying with faith many times because Heavenly Father is going to want to test her Faith first. He wants to see that she reallly wants this. Which I believe she does. I know in time she will get her answer. She is still reading the Book of Mormon everyday and going to church. But I really do want to see her in that baptism font.. More I want to see her doing baptisms for her ancestors that have died in the Temple.
I love you all. Have a great thanksgiving weekend and do not fight too much with your families. Remember the meaning of this Christmas season. And my mom reminded me that I need to always remember what I am grateful for. It is true. We will be happier if we always remember what blessings we have received.
LOVE YOU ALL!!!!! -Elder Stokes


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Me and the young man

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