Hola familia!

Sorry I´m writing so late. We had such a hard time finding a cyber shop open today! (It´s a national holiday to celebrate the Pope´s visit.) Ithought it was so funny that the Pope´s message was about feeding the poor, because everyone that has talked to us about the Pope´s visit has been outraged by how much money  the country has spent on his visit. It´s a very hard thing to balance, but I do think that they were spending a bit too much haha.

Things here have also been a bit crazy. My companion is doing much better now, but he´s still in a little pain if we walk too fast. I hope he can pass the kidney stone soon! We´re hoping to make up for lost time this week. 

I´m so happy that you´re going to Californina next week! That´s so awesome! The beach is so relaxing and fun for the family. I hope the weather and the roads are nice for you. 

I was so sad to hear that President Packard had passed away this last Friday. There are so many things that he has done for the whole world. I can´t imagine what it would be like to give an entire life in service. He had such a powerful testimony of the love of Christ.

I´m happy to hear that you´re also memorizing a scripture every week! I actually learned D&C 6:34 in Spanish as well.

Asi que no temais, haced lo bueno. y aunque si combine en contra de vosotros la tierra, y el infierno, pues si estais edificados sobre mi roca, no pueden prevalecer. =) I also think it´s great that Dad, Em, and Jacob had Spanish hour this week! Keep up the great work!

I hope that you all enjoyed your Fourth of July! Elder Rydalch and I sang The Star Spangled Banner from the English Hymn book, and I thought about Isaac.  I hope you have an even greater week!

Lots of Love,

Elder Hales =)

Pope Francis waves to the crowd as he rides aboard the Popemobile in streets of Quito, Ecuador, Sunday, July 5, 2015. Francis is making his first visit as pope to his Spanish-speaking neighborhood. He’ll travel to three South American nations, Ecuador, Bolivia and Paraguay, which are beset by problems that concern him deeply, income inequality and environmental degradation. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)

A visitor uses a mirror to take a closer look at the ornate architectural details of Quito's Iglesia de la Compania July 3. Pope Francis will visit the church in Ecuador on Tuesday. (CNS/Barbara Fraser)

Faithful waited for the arrival of Pope Francis to celebrate a Mass at the Samanes Park in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Monday, July 6, 2015. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)