I hope you are all doing well. A few amusing things happened this week. As I write you, a huge party is going on right by us. Today is Lundi de Paques. I don't know if this is a holiday anywhere else in the world, but it is a huge deal here. I'll try to explain it. Imagine all of the excited anticipation of Christmas, the concerts of the 4th of July, and the alcoholism of St. Patrick's Day all rolled into one. It's a pretty crazy deal! Thankfully the Church is throwing a really big party to give people a safe alternative to all the craziness. I will say though, it seems pretty fun. Regarding the party, however, here is a little taste of Madagascar for you. They announced the party in church yesterday and invited everyone to bring food. There would be games, music, etc. Well, right after that, the Stake High Councilor stood up and informed everyone that were not allowed to go to the ward party because the stake had a party. Thus, the official church party was at the stake center. Well, the ward didn't like that. The Bishop stood up, told the stake that they always take too long to plan parties and the wards always have to step in, so we're doing our own thing. Then the First Councilor in the Bishopric stood up and had everyone SUSTAIN the party they were going to (I'm not sure that's how common consent is supposed to be used), and then promptly closed the meeting before anyone could say anything else. All in the Sacrament meeting! So yeah, things can be very fun.

I made tacos this week. They were really good! People here eat lots of beans and I found one kind of bean that tastes really good as a substitute for pinto. Other than that our Easter wasn't a whole lot of fun. (note from mom: sadly Alex still hasn't received his Easter basket that I mailed five weeks ago. I have to get his birthday package in the mail or it will be late too!) It's hard. Most members can't afford to feed the missionaries and it isn't necessarily a good idea for us to eat the food. So, I had oatmeal for Easter dinner. Good thing the sheer awesomeness of Madagascar makes up for it - ha ha. Have a great week and very shortly we'll be able to Skype. Be safe and be well.

Elder Ahlstrom