This is the week. One year ago I entered the MTC. Pretty crazy, all of the changes that have occurred since then. The biggest news this week is that we have a new Mission President. President and Sister Foote got here yesterday along with their son Kevin who just finished his mission in France. He is helping his mom get set up. She doesn't speak French, but she is learning to speak Malagasy. Having someone who can communicate, at least somewhat, will be helpful for her. You probably know, but President Foote worked in construction. (I believe that he has been involved in building temples for the church.) He is a little bit younger than President Adams, and he is excited to be here. Also, he is clearly still getting used to Madagascar. Sister Foote showed us a picture she posted on Instagram of someone selling meat. Ha ha, it was very funny. They also invited us for soup the third night that they were here, which was really nice. So far their schedule has been crazy. President Foote had interviews in Tana for two days straight and then he got in a car and drove to Antsirabe about two hours south and did a whole other day of interviews.

As far as the work is going, we have been doing a lot to get everything set up for the new Mission President. Now we have much more time to go out and actually work. We found two new wonderful families this week, and fast Sunday was really good. I translated for the couple missionaries along with a recent convert who speaks English. Elder Stokes couldn't help because he was translating teny tanana (sign language) for a member. I've been learning a little bit of Malagasy sign language from him too. He goes to Church in another ward, but the missionaries couldn't attend sacrament meeting so he came to ours. On Tuesday we hooked him up with sister missionaries in Washington D.C. who teach him American Sign Language because he is preparing to go to the temple. It's really awesome. His name is Julles and he gave me a sign language name. Take your right hand and spread your fingers right over the front top of your head, then as you pull your hand away, close your fingers. kind of like if your hair was gelled and you were running your hand along it into a point. It's super simple if you can see it. Regrettably it's hard to explain. He is one of the most awesome people I've ever met. He is very humble and very kind. Obviously Madagascar doesn't have standardized sign language, so he can't really talk to anyone other than missionaries and a few members who have learned. His family doesn't really speak it, but it doesn't seem to bother him. Anyway, I'm so excited and can't wait for him to be able to go to the temple. It's amazing that sister missionaries in the United States can talk to a deaf person in Madagascar! As I said, I'm learning a little bit of his language. I can ask your name, ask what's up, say nothing's up, say Jesus Christ, understand, God, and know. That's about it. I've got to work on it, but as a missionary you just have so many opportunities to do amazing things. I love it! Missions are always really hard but inexplicably worth it, beneficial, and special. I hope you all have a wonderful week, and I can't wait to talk to you next week.

Elder Ahlstrom