Loving it over here (October 6th, 2014)

Hey Everyone,

Things are going well over here in Spain. I am not sure what to talk about with you guys hahaha. Sorry.

Well, one thing I really like about this country is how every day the Spaniards get out of their to bread shops or places that sell bread, and buy their bread right before "Medio Dia." I love the bars of bread. They are always hot and ready. I love eating them with my meals at home. 

On the missionary side, I got to do inter-cambios with Elder Bohne, our Zone Leader. My companion Elder Parkinson was with the other Zone leader Elder Schwenke. Man, Elder Bohne is a hard working missionary. He also speaks real good Spanish. I learned so much from him when we were working with our appointments and contacting people.

It was also awesome to watch General Conference in Spain. We all saw it at the Temple Square are. which is where the stake center is for the Madrid stakes. There were so many people there and it was great seeing other members from our church there.

As for our investigators, Gisela is getting baptized this Saturday. Paul and Fernanda have baptism dates for the 18th of October. And, Sebastian has one for the 25th of October. We are looking forward to teaching them more about the Gospel and helping them understand the doctrine. Its fun stuff and so humbling to be able to teach about Christ and religion.

Anyways, I hope you all love the pictures I sent to you guys. The mission is freaking awesome, I am getting better at Speaking Spanish with the Spaniards and its is an awesome experience. 

The mission life still feels at times different, but, I am adjusted to it. Wow, 2 years feels like a long time of how long I wil be living here in Spain. I'm not sure what else I should say. You are welcomed to ask me anything that I have not shared.

Well, take care everyone. Love you guys!

-Elder Galvan

pics (September 8th, 2014)

Hey guys,

Well, here are some pictures of the mission. Enjoy!

Love,

Elder Galvan

2 Year Anniversary (September 29th, 2014)

Hey Family and Friends,

Today two years ago, on September 29, 2012 I was baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am so happy and grateful for my decision to choose this church. Besides that, it made me sooooooooo happy to hear my Brother, Isaac Galvan's, Missionary Farewell Talk. That was like a gift to me today to hear him speak. As I listened to his speech it made me think to myself of how sharp he is and how smart he is as a person to be able to give such a spiritual talk. I hope he heals his knee and is able to make it on time for the mission field. I love my brother and it makes me happy to hear about how he is going to serve a 2 year mission.

Besides that, out here on the field in Leganes, Madrid I have noticed these posters that say G-Star Raw created by Pharrell Williams. What is that??? Is that like some kind of TV show or some kind of movie they are coming out with? I was just really curious because I have no idea what that is hahaha.

In addition, this week my companion and I got sick. I don't know what kind of sickness we caught, but, we were both out on Wednesday. We noticed how the sickness was building up earlier in the week. On wednesday, that was when we woke up and could not get out of bed. I bought medicine and let my companion use some of pills I bought. We are 100% right now. That day really messed up our plans with investgators and it also affected the following day. Man, it really sucks getting sick out here in Spain. Especially as a missionary.

Also, it is such a huge surprise of how expensive fast food places are in Spain. Seriously, they really suck. It can cost you like 10 bucks to get a good meal out of a Burger King, McDonalds, etc. I miss Denny's. That place is where you can really get more for your buck. Anyways, out here in Spain for food we usually get fed by members or cook the food ourselves.

Another cool thing I wanted to share was how I am able to work out in the mornings. Every morning for 30 mins I do a high intensity work out using body workouts and weights. Its awesome, I really release a lot of stress and keep my physique contained so I can come back and weightlight when the mission is over over at the good old 24 Hour Fitness on Adams and Harbor.

On the spiritual sides of things, I had the opportunity to give a blessing to Hermana Catalina Cancho Martin who is member from our ward. She invited us over to eat and fed us this soup like food with plenty of beans and patatas. She also fed us bread and chicken. She too is a convert to the church and is originally from the West part of Spain near Portugal. It was so hunbling to act in the priesthood and give her a blessing, in SPANISH!!!! I am so happy I gave a blessing in Spanish, that was totally my first time hahaha. She is such an awesome woman and we love her a ton.

More on the spiritual side of things, my companion and I were able to reactivate an inactive member of the church. She is a young girl named Nicole that joined the church when she was 14 years old. I met her at the English class I was teaching in the church last Friday. My companion and I talked to her and invited her to more church activities that were happening. We had a lesson with her on Saturday and we talked to her about how much potential she has for the chuch and our ward. She came to church on Sunday and a fireside with us. She wrote a note to my companion writing about how she is grateful for the missionaries and feels loved by us. So, that made my day for the week. Seeing a member regain interest in the church and appreaciate it all in the end. We all see her as a little sibling to us that we watch out for. 

With our investigators, Paul and Fernanda have fechas for this 18th of October to get baptized. We are hoping they can make it to that fecha and continue growing. One thing that helps our 2 investigators is how awesome my companion is and how I am a convert to the church. Paul brings it up to us and asks me about how it feels to change and have the courage to get baptized. Things are progressing with them. I need to find that picture of my baptism and show it to them of how it looked for me.

Things are awesome here in Spain. It is definitely a privilege to wear a chappa and represent the church.

Thanks for reading this guys. I love you. Have a great week.

Love,

Elder Sal Galvan

Transfer 2 Looking Sweet (September 22nd, 2014)

Hey Everyone,

So, today is the official two month mark since I arrived in the Spain CCM. I guess you can say that time flies by. It feels slow, but its all good. I don't really worry about how long I have been here in Spain.

I really have liked what has happened with the 2nd transfer here in the mission. Man, I wish I would've planned out stuff to write to you guys. So sorry if this email is just random, I am trying to recall the week that gone by.

First off, I managed to get my SD card fixed from the virus which allows me to use my Canon Rebel T3. I will not be able to send pictures of myself for a long time since I may have to ask a member to transfer all my SD card data in my storage device. The computers we use here are public computers at these places called locutorios. There are viruses and stuff in these computers which is the reason how my SD card got infected. One day I will send some pictures of me on the mission. It makes me sad that I can't share my time here in Leganes.

Besides that, I want to talk about our Ward Mission Leader in the Leganes Ward. His name is Jeison Ramirez, 24 years old. He is originally from Colombia and has been such a great ward mission leader by working with the ward and coming with us to meet all of the investigators. The cool thing about him is that he opened his mission call yesterday on Sunday. He is going to serve in the Barcelona mission on the 15th of January, 2015. We are all so happy for him. I hope I stay long enough in the Leganes area to see Jeison go off to Barcelona on train. He is such an awesome dude.

Since the transfers and how Elder Tanner left from our piso and getting Elder Larrea. Since Elder Tanner taught the English class, he passed the baton to my companion and I. My companion let me guide the lesson last Friday with the small group of people we had come to practice their English. I am looking forward to some more service and helping the people who come learn some English stuff. Its really funny and cool how we get to teach English classes in the church.

In terms of our investigators, they are still in the process of learning about the church. So far we have Gisela waiting to get baptized sometime in October. I am stoked for that and seeing her progress. 

I don't know what else to write. Next time I will make points/notes of stuff to share with you guys. 

Well, I hope all is well and I love you guys. Take care!

Un abrazo,

Elder Galvan

Beginning of my 2nd Transfer (September 15, 2014)

Hey everyone,

Well, this week was pretty chill. We are still visiting with our investigators, so far we don't have any set dates.

The cool thing about this week was how we got invited to eat dinner with members this week. I am so grateful for them and love them a lot.

I also got the SD card virus thing fixed. I don't think I will be able to send any pics this week.

In our piso, one Elder left and another came in. We got a Native named Elder Larrea. I am excited to have someone not American in our piso with us 3 Elders.

Other than that, sorry to end this email so short. I spent too much time individually writing to people.

Take care guys, I will write to you guys next week. Wow, I can't believe how fast time goes by in the mission.

Good Stuff.

Love,

Elder Galvan

Day 42, Beg. of Week 7 (September 1st, 2014)

Hey everyone,

Gosh, I am so sorry about last week for not being able to write to you all. Well, the mission work is awesome as usual and I am so stoked to be able to work with people and get to know them and stuff. Well, I don't remember much about how last week was. I only wanted to just talk about all of the investigators we are teaching right now. So, I'll start with that and then talk some more about how things are going out here in Leganes, Madrid. 

With that said, my companion/trainer, Elder Parkinson and I have 6 investigators and 1 that is not yet one and another we had to drop. So, Paul and Fernanda who are about 30 years old plus or minus, with a little girl that is 4 years old named Angye, they are awesome! They were the first people I met with right off the start of my mission back in August 7, which was on a Thursday and I had entered the mission field officially on August 5th. Anyways, Paul and Fernanda are in the Spanish military and really love my companion and I. The awesome thing about them is they are always so generous by feeding us dinner and that's something members do. Most of the time investigators just listen to our lesson and then bye. So yeah, Paul and Fernanda are definitely progressing and are working towards getting baptized in the church. The only thing holding them back is how they go out of town for miltary stuff and can't come to church. 

Next, we have this other investigator named Edil. Edil is originally from Ecuador and has recently been reunited with his daughter Genesis in Spain. Genesis is not an investigator, but, she is interestedin hearing our lesssons since she sat in on the most recent one with Edil. Edil is awesome too! We are just trying to get him to come to church so he can get to know the members. He too is working towards the goal of getting baptized in our church. 

After that, we have another investigator named Sebastian. Sebastian is a 23 year old fighter for Spain, born in Colombia and his father is from Colombia and his mother is from Spain. Sebastian and I have a really good relationship and he calls me his little brother. He is a tank and is really ripped. He comes to church and other activities we invite him to. He is doing things at his pace with getting to know the church. I have high hopes for him.

Moreover, we have this other investigator named Gisela. Gisela goes to chruch in Barrio 5 and belongs to Barrio Leganes. She told us she wants to get baptized, but, in Barrio 5. So, I think the leaders in the stakes are talking about her and what to do about the whole baptism thing.

Lastly, our other investigator is a girl named Carina. Carina is 20 years old, born and raised in Getafe, Marid. Her parents are from Portugal and its pretty cool being able to have that blessing of getting to know her. Carina is the only investigator that I have been able to contact successfully from scratch. The other investigators are people my companion and his previous companion contacted or someone passed to us from other missionaries. So, its really cool Carina meets with us. My companion gives me credit for contacting her. And she has only been taught La Restauración and came to church yesterday. She is also friends with a family in our ward and comes to Family Home Evening activities every Monday. So yeah, we'll see how it goes with Carina.

And the other two poeple, James and Bryan. James is a 20 some year old kid that uses a wheelchair and his parents are from Africa. Its really cool how he speaks Spanish and is an African. I have never seen that in my life until I got here in Spain. James is not yet an investigator because he has only come to activities and does not want to come to church. Because of that, we are going to share the message of La Restauración and keep inviting him to church. Bryan, we had to drop because he claims he is atheist and keeps fighting with our lessons or doctrine we share with him. We have to drop him because he chooses not to progress and hopefully he'll change his mentality.

So, that's all the people we meet with during the week. Other than that, we have dinner apppointments with members or are proselyting on the road.

Besides all the investigators, this past summer there is this song called, "Bailando," by Enrique Eglesias, and has been pretty popular out here in Spain. I don't know if you guys know of that song, so that's why I am asking. 

I also love my personal study time. I have been learning so much from the Book of Mormon. Man its amazing how that is working out form me on my mission. And, I am also still learning the Spanish language. An interesting fact I thought you guys should know is that apparently, when people get married in Spain, the wife does not take the husband's last name. That is so cool! Shoot, I like that hahaha! That would be cool if I can marry a Spaniard from this country after the mission. Anyways, some of the people here refer to the Spanish language as Castellano. There are times when I am speaking English and some member from church catch me and tell me that I need to practice speaking in Castellano. I don't know the difference between Spanish and Castillian Spanish, but, I have been learing their kind of vocabulary lately. And, it sounds so cool to hear a Spaniard speaking Spanish with the theta and all. And, where you hear the Andalucians speak, you know its an Andalucian. They speak with a weird accent and eat the letter "s" in their speech. Imagine someone saying España, well when they say it it sounds like Epana. Weird hahaha, but, I still love it.

I also ate some Paella last week and Spanish tortillas. Man, paella is one of my favorite foods. And, the tortillas they call tortillas out here are nothing like the Mexican tortillas we use for burritos in So Cal. Its like this think tortilla made of patatas and other stuff. I can't describe it, its just different hahaha. Oh yeah, and potatoes here are called patatas.

And, I have not been able to take new pictures with my camera lately. My SD card got messed up and I am in the process of salvaging it. Due to that, since I need a SD card to use my camera, pics are inactive for now. However, I still have plenty of pics I have taken here and will still send them. As of now, when I fix the SD card or buy a new one, you will hear from me saying something about new pics. 

Well, thats all for now. I hope this letter is chunky enough for this week and makes up for last week hahaha.

I love you guys, hablaremos el proximo semana!

Un abrazo,

Elder Galvan

More Pictures from the Mission!!!! From, Sal Galvan (August 25th, 2014)

Hey guys,

Dang I am so sorry. I have to sign out of the internet. I will write back next week about this week and the new week. I am sorry, next time I will make sure to write the big email letter first. Hope all of you are doing well. Hope you like my pictures hahaha. Love you all, take care. I will write next Monday. Talk to you guys soon then :)

Love,

Elder Galvan

A Letter to everyone! (August 18th, 2014)

Hey everyone!!!!

So, its like the beginning of week 5 today over her in Leganes, Madrid. Day 27. Yup, time is really going by fast hahaha, jk. But hey, the mission is pretty fun.

So I have decided to write in this letter about how my daily routines function throughout the week. So, I get up at 7:30AM and do my exercise for 30 mins. then at 8 I make eatmeal and mix it with yogurt then I shower and get ready. At 9Am is personal study of the scriptures or lessons I need to prepare for investigators of the church. At 10AM is companionship study. At 11AM is language study, so I pretty much study out of a Spanish book of Spanish stuff I did in High School. I really get use Spanish when I get on the field and interact with the Spanish people. At 11:30AM is the missionary 12 week program which is my trainer just training me about missionary stuff. At 12:30PM we go proselyting until 2PM. And from 2-4PM is medio dia since the Spanish close up their businesses for 2 hours and we missionaries usually eat lunch then and just study a bit more of whatever it is we want to do. Then from 4PM to 10PM is proselyting or apts we have set with church members, investigators, service work, etc. And from 10PM to 11PM we plan real quick fro the day and then eat dinner. And at 11:30PM we go to bed. I live in an apartment called "pisos" in Spain, with 3 other missionaries who are all American.

In the Leganes ward, I have been getting to know more and more of the members. They are awesome people. It is so cool being out here in Spain and hearing church stuff in Spanish. I definitely have noticed improvement with the Spanish language.

Also this week, the city of Leganes is pretty crazy in the summer. A fair has been going on during the evenings and then hey have like mini parties in the plazas of Leganes. The only reason why I mention it is because in my piso during the night, I can hear all the noise and it is hard to sleep. But yeah, it is definitely different out here compared to the states.

Oh and the food over here is so awesome!!!!! I don't really know the names that well besides paella and empanadas and the awesome panaderia store that sells good sweet bread and other pastries. Besides that, they have this thing called Kebabs. You guys should look it up. Kebabs are pretty much meat sandwiches from Turkey and it is so good. Every thursday we pay 3 euros for 2 kebabs. Also, Dominos pizza has all you can eat pizza for 7 euros. But yeah, I really love the culture out here in Spain. Its so different hahaha.

I have also gotten used to dressing in my missionary attire, which is slacks with short sleeve dress shirt with tie and dress shoes. And that is 7 days a week! Awesome huh!?

Besides all of that, I had the opportunity to watch a running of the bulls event this morning and also went to this place called "Sol," which is in the Madrid area and a big time tourism place. There are also gypsies there that beg for money and I have heard stories of them stealing from tourists. It is a blessing here to be in Spain. This week was pretty much just development week with our investigators and getting to know the ward members of the church.

I love you guys and hope all is well! Adios!

Con Amor,

Elder Galvan

Day 20, Week 4.... (August 11th, 2014)

Hey all,

I ma not sure what day I am on for my mission. I do know that it is the start of my fourth week. Technically my 2nd week being on the mission field. Before I continue writing, I want to make it real known that someone has to keep me updated on nba stuff....what's up HAHAHA!!!!

Anyways, I am going to try and include everything that has happened this past week.

First off, if anyone wants to send me anything or write letters to me, my mailing address is:

Spain Madrid Mission

Elder Sal Angel Galvan

Calle Fuerteventura, 4

Segunda Planta, Oficina 8B
28703

San Sebastian de los Reyes

Madrid Spain

Second, I miss you guys. And, I remember that Monday when I took off on the plane and arrived in Spain. At first I just felt numb and scared. I couldn't believe that Spain was going to be my home for the next 2 years. It could've been so hard for me in the beginning, but, I was so blessed to be loved by the CCM workers there. I had such a great experience in the CCM of Spain  that when it finally came to leaving the CCM, it was so hard and sad. It brought back the sad feelings I felt right when I got there. I feel goo now, but, I really miss the CCM. The people there became my adopted family since my family are in SoCal. Man, it was so awesome.

My mission president is a cool guy. I thought  he was scary,  and he is not. His name is President Jackson. They told me that they have this new system created for new missionaries when they arrive in the Madrid airport since I got lost for hours hahaha. Sorry I forgot to tell you guys about that. I made it to the CCM alive though and there is a system now so no one gets lost thanks to me. Yeah!!!!!!!!!

So, thank the people from the Spain MTC (CCM) since they really helped me and were awesome to me. I will try to send more pics from there taken last week. And, I left my temple clothes behind by accident and so I went back today during P-day to pick it up. Man, it was so great being able to see everyone at the CCM. Those people are awesome, and hopefully I can keep in touch with them after my mission.

Moving on, so last Tuesday was the day I got transferred to a different area in Spain. I am here serving in the Madrid region in a city called Leganes. Spain has like 17 regions in theircountry which is similar to states. And, I am in the Madrid region. Leganes is just south of the city of Madrid. My companions are Elder Kunz and Elder Parkinson. Elder Kunz is from Texas and Elder Parkinson is from Utah. Elder Kunz got transferred this morning since working in trios is harder and Elder Parkinson needs to train me for my 12 week program. Elder Kunz also goes home in 10 days and Elder Parkinson has a year left in the mission. They are both studs and I get along with my companion.

Also, on my first personal study day, last Wednesday I cried reading 1 Nephi, chapter 8 because it reminded me of when I knew that the Book is true and how I felt the spirit testify to me. However, on that day Lehi tells his family to come follow him to the tree of life and that is where it hit me. I felt like Lehi and Lehi's family resembled my family. I just want to say how grateful I am for having Isaac being a member of the church. I pictured myself being in the vison as Lehi and I can see myself shouting to my famly to partake of the tree. And, Isaac became the 2nd person that chose to follow me. I don't want to get into that, but, I had a very spiritual study day thinking about how far I have come and how Isaac is preparing to serve a mission. One of the teachers at the CCM told me a story of how much he looks up to me and how he thinks its awesome that Isaac is going to serve a mission, and he was teary eyed. That teachers name is Hermano Montes and he told me that he wishes his younger brother would've served a mission like he did and thats why he loves me for my example and pressing forward and thinks Isaac and I are awesome.

As for the mission work, it is hard work. The Spaniards are super nice people, but, when I bring up religion...they say, "lo siento," or "hombre," and tell me they are not interested. They're nice all in all, I learned some Spanish phrases from them. Anyways, its all good. I thought it was so funny when some kid came up to us and said, "hecho mal," and we talked with him and gave him our number. And the Southern Spaniards all say, "Eso que lo que," whenever they don't understand what the gsopel is about hahaha or they say, "Eso que."

But hey, something super rad happened last week. We all met with this family that is in the Spanish military, Paul, Fernanda and their daughter angye who is 4. We taught them the Plan of Salvation. In the end, I asked them,"seguira el ejemplo de jesucristo al ser bautizado por alguien que posea la autoridad del sacerdocio de dios," and they got teary eyed and said yes. Their date is set for the 30th of August. Pray for them and I hope they continue progressing. They later fed us an awesome meal and we talked about stuff. I also shared with them how I was a convert and they were blown away and kept askingme how I did it and if I truly believe in the church and it was cool. I love that family, they are so awesome and I am happy for their daughter Angye.

Also, there is a fair going on in Leganes which is so awesome. It's like a Spanish OC Fair or something like that. I love walking around Spain to contact people. Its funny when they speak Spanish to us and don't want to hear about the Gospel. Some gypsies ran away from my compamion one time because they thought he was the police. And, the kids call us the secret police...I have no idea why.

And, yesterday was my first day in a Spanish chapel. The ward is dope. Someone forgot to show up for their talk and they asked the missionaries to introudce themselves. When I introduced myself, I told them where I was from and how I am learning Spanish. Then in the end I pumped up my fist like the Black power movement in the 1960's and some people in the ward were pumped by me. But, I fogot to end my testimony saying in the name of Jesus Christ because I was just in the moment hahahaha. Then after church, the Bishop callled me the Californian and shook my hand. And everyone in the ward keeps asking the same question over and ever, they say you don't look north american, where are your parents from. Then I tell them. And its  really funny. I had some girls from the ward tell me that they like my accent and how I have good features or something. Whatever....I'll take that hahaha. I love my ward, they're good people. I am known as "The Californian," awesome hahahaha.

Anyways, I wrote so much this time. I will try and get more pictures emailed to you guys.

I love you guys so much!!!!!!

-Elder Galvan

(PS-Can someone foward this to the Hafens...I don't have their email address, thanks!)

Bienvenido, Elder Galvan! (August 6th, 2014)

Dear Elder Galvan - would you forward this on to your parents? Thank you! Hermana Jackson

Dear Parents of Elder Galvan,

We welcomed your son into our mission Tuesday morning. We brought him to the Mission Home and fed him lunch. We gave him an overview of the mission and some of the rules and expectations, and spent most of the day with him. He was excited, and seemed ready to get to work.

Later that afternoon, we had a meeting at the Stake Center in Madrid on Temple Square, and met with his trainer to discuss the new 12 week training program. During this 12 week period, your son will have an extra hour of companion study each day, and will be given specific things that he must report to the Mission President. We know that this is an inspired program, and will help to make missionaries better teachers and better followers of Christ. Please encourage your son in this program. It will help him develop tools that will help him to have a successful mission, and a more successful and fulfilling life after his mission.

Elder Galvan has been assigned to the area of Leganés. He will serve with Elder Parkinson, who is from Layton, Utah, and Elder Kunz, who is from Houston, Texas. They are happy, obedient missionaries, who will be good first companions for your son.

Please send any letters or packages to the Mission Office for the duration of his mission. We have such a large mission area and mail times are very unpredictable, so that if he gets transferred while the mail is in transit it is very difficult to track him down. Don’t forget to put his first name on the package!

Our mailing address:
Calle Fuerteventura, 4
2nda Planta, Oficina 8B
San Sebastian de los Reyes, 28703
Madrid
Spain

Our Preparation Day is on Monday. Elder Galvan is instructed to email his immediate family every week. We look forward to getting to know him and working along side him in this great work here in the Spain, Madrid Mission. We can tell he will be a great missionary. Thank you for sharing him with us! We already love him.


Sincerely,
President and Sister Jackson

Last Day at the CCM (August 4th, 2014)

Hey everyone,

Alrighty...so first off. When I got to the CCM in Madrid, they introduced me to my companion and other stuff.

His name is Elder Salazar, he is from Barcelona. It doesn't end there. My whole group of the Spanish native speakers are all from Spain. Except me, another American girl, and a girl from Guatemala. But, everyone else, the 5 missionaries including my companion are from Spain. So yeah, it was dope. And, I they had guesses of what I was nationality wise. I heard like South America...Brazilan, Ecuador, Spanish, and other guesses. But no one guessed the US and they didn´t believe me when I said I was from the US. And then they said...well you do sound American when you speak Spanish. And, they also asked where I learned to speak with a theta. And, I told them Iearned from watching Javier Bardem movies hahaha. And, they think its impressive that I picked up Spanish fast. I also have been way more fluent here...just these 2 weeks here alone in the CCM and also having all my classes in pure Castellano Spanish which is just beautiful and I feel like a beast for being able to hang with the Spaniards hahaha.

Anyways so yeah, the sun does not go down here until like 9PM. Which is so weird!!!! And, last week for P-Day I went to the Real Madrid Stadium and they're museum of soccer history. It was real cool. The best moment in there was runiing into Americans. And here is what happened, they spoke to me in Spanish and my companion and I looked at each other and laughed because they didn't think I was American like them. I answered their question in Spanish and I felt more like a beast since Americans even think I not American hahahah. I am going to attach a lot of pictures on this email for you guys to see stuff.

We also went proselyting in el parque retiro last Thursday which was awesome too.

Also, can someone please tell me what is going on with my Lakers and the NBA. Seriously, I am dying over here. Who is our coach?

And, I have already got used to dressing in slacks and a dress shirt. Its looks better like that on me hahaha.

I also met my mission president yesterday and he is a scary guy. We'll see how the mission goes hahaha.

I am also leaving tomorrow morning from the CCM and I will let you guys know how my mission will be and where I will be at.

Also, scripture of the week is Romans 16:16, look it up.

Well, I have to go...I love you all!!!!!!

-Elder Sal Galvan

Its been about 10 days here in Spain. Week 2 in the CCM (July 31st, 2014)

Hello Everyone,

I am writing this big email to everyone so you know I am alright and stuff. I do not know where to start....

So, week one in the CCM (centro de capacitacion misonal de Espana) is like going to school out here. The CCM is pretty much controled by all the Spaniards. So we have Spanish teachers that teach us.

Ummmm, time has gone by so fast here. I will be leaving the CCM this Monday and then get transferred somewhere in Spain for my mission. So, right now I am living in Madrid. It´s a real cool place.

I am so glad that I got sent to the Spanish MTC compared to Provo because Spain has 6 different kind of languages that go on here. There is Spanish, French, Portuguese, Itialian, Russian, and Americans over here. It is so cool.. I got to practice some French with some of the French over here. And, the Spanish was given. Everyone thought I was a native or something from Spain. But, once they heard me speak, they found out that I was not from Spain, but, an American hahaha.

I really love the staff here in the CCM. They are so loving and just a different culture. All of them ask me all the time where are my parents from and stuff. And most of the staff are from Andalucia region in Spain, south part, and they tell me that I look like I have some features from there and that is why they ask me where my paraents are from.

Anyways, my favorite part of the CCM is the opportunity we have to actually have freedom to explore the Madrid area. We do not have too much freedom, but, we get to check out Madrid on free days like now. And, I am sure in Provo, Ut they can not do that.

I also got to ride on the Metro which is like a subway. And, we went to a huge park in Spain called El Parque del Retiro. It is like the size of Irvine Park over in the OC. And, I got to speak with many people in the park regarding the Gospel and the Book of Mormon.

I also made a promise to my Spanish idol, Hermano Gomez, who is a convert, served a mission, found a wife, and got married...and now is expecting a kid. Anyways, I told him that he and I have a lot in common since we are both converts to the church and the mission stuff. So,I told him that I am gonna have to get sealed in the Madrid Temple when that time comes so we can be similar to each other and I can say that he is my idol and stuff hahaha. He laughed at me and thought it was funny as heck.

But yeah, after the mission....who knows when, I am definitely getting married in the Madrid Temple. That is a goal. And, do not worry guys...I am not distracted out here. I put the mission first hahaha.

But man, the Spanish people are beautiful people. 

One more word....when I was at BYU , I never felt at home or anything. In California....yes, I have felt at home. As of now, I feel out home. I love that feeling. It will help me stay focused on my mission for the next 2 years. I also got this weird idea in my head.

I have been so touched by the great examples of the Spanish people who work in the CCM that now I want to be able to contribute back after my mission is over. Based on what I have heard, there is a possibility after the mission I may be able to work in the CCM. That would be super cool if I can. I still want to finish school and all...but, it makes sense though. I can not start school until January 2017. And I  will be back in July 2016. And, I am even more positive now that I am not going back to BYU for Fall 2016. So, that gives me about 6 months...plus or minus, where I need to apply to some Universities and in the meantime...I think working in the CCM would be really dope right after the mission. I´m not sure how that works, but, I defintiely want to do that now because of this great experience I have had here in the Spain Madrid MTC. Sooooooo....yeah, No BYU. Heavenly Father answered my prayer. I feel good.

Huff was right. The mission is making my mind more clearer hahaha.

Well, I don´t know what else to say. Please spread my email to others and tell them to write to me. I miss everyone hahahaha.

I love you mom. I love my family. I love you Huffs...everyone hahahaha.

God Bless and take care.

Love,

Elder Sal Angel Galvan

(ps...when you write back to me...send me a separate email and DO NOT reply to this group email hahah)

BYE!!!!!

Day 1 of the Spain Madrid Mission (July 22nd, 2014)

Hey,

 I am only given time to write directly to my family. Mom, I wanted to let you know that I have arrived in Madrid. The duration of the hours combined with the flights was probably about 16 hours...including layovers. I just wanted to let you know that I love you and that I am here safe hahaha. Anyways, I wanted to let you guys know that this place...Spain, is going to be a long two years. I cant believe how advance these Spaniards speak. Its really cool and awesome. But, it also makes me nervous now because watching Spanish films is one thing, but, actually engaging with the Spanish people is kind of scary since I cant talk as fast as they do. I understand everything they say to me though, which is good. My first companion is Elder Salazar who is from Barcelona. He only speaks Spanish and I am able to understand him and speak to him well. He doesnt think my Spanish is bad, and I told him that I am going to need his help with learning more and speaking better. Man, this is so surreal for me. Its really cool and also very scary. I hope that I can get better at speaking Spanish since a lot of these Spaniards beast it. And, Bro Huff...say hi to the family for me haha. Mom, sames. Tell grandma that I regret not wanting learn Spanish. Alrighty I got to go.

 Adios,
 Elder Sal Angel Galvan

Welcome. Bienvenido.

To those who are watching or reading this,

Hi, my name is Sal Galvan and I recently served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Spain Madrid Mission from July 22, 2014 thru July 12, 2016. I have been home for a short amount of time and I really miss Spain!

The reason I have decided to create this blog is to organize all of my missionary letters that I wrote to my family and friends during my 2 year adventure and journey in Spain. I think this will be a great way to organize all of the data and pictures that come from this 2 year experience that I recently accomplished. I wish I would have been a lot more organized and have created a Blog for myself.

The idea of a blog came from my ex-mission companion Elder Brady Craig Smith who is currently serving his mission in the Spain Madrid Mission. I looked through his blog when I got home from my mission and I was so impressed with how all of his mission moments were captured and organized. It is definitely a great way to keep the memories alive. Thanks to his example, I too will begin fishing through all of my missionary mail and will post them to the blog with pictures that I sent home to family and friends.

Thank you again for reading this and have a wonderful day.

Love,
Sal Galvan