Tide Pod bruises, Finessed Haircuts, and Other Adventures from the CCM

Hello everybody,

So before I get to crazy stories, Ill start with something spiritual. One of the biggest blessings of entering into the CCM when I did was being able to attend all the sessions of conference there. Never before have I been so spiritually in tune, surrounded by other like minded missionaries. The spirit, and my notes, where the strongest out of any conference Ive ever watched. One of the intermediate songs I believe was called to serve, and singing that with 1000 other missionaries was an incredible experience Ill never forget. I know that I am exactly where I am supposed to be right now, and I couldnt be happier.

Now, onto the (mis)adventures of the past week.

My highlight was probably (besides Conference) getting my haircut by my district leader, and great friend, Elder Wegner. Hes one of the funniest guys i know, and he is a man of many talents. None of us wouldve expected him to be any good, but he first cut (my comp) Elder childs hair, and it was super good. i got mine trimmed by him, but that wasnt enough to satisfy my teacher. he insisted my hair was too long, and that I drastically needed to cut it. so in my living room, Elder Wegner took several inches off my hair. the next day, i borrowed some of his hairspary, picked up some gel from the store here, and now im rocking short hair.

The other good story from this past week involves him as well. we have to buy our own laundry detergent here, and they only sell Tide Pods. so if you give several teenage boys easy access to (practically) soap filled water balloons, the agency to make their own choices, and enough free time, theyre going to want to throw them at each other.

So one night, we finally gave into temptation. Elder Wegner asked me if i would willingly let him throw some tide pods at me if he payed for them, and of course i agreed. So we grabbed everyone from our entire house, went to the back yard, and we filmed him pelting me with them. It was hilarious. I get along really well with the Elders from my house. we have so much fun. Im really grateful for my friends.

To end on a spiritual note, Im learning the language really well. Its really hard for me, but I work my butt off everyday, and through the Spirit, the language is really coming along. I love you guys, and I pray about you all all the time.

Love,

Elder Long