August 6th Letter from Sister Christensen (Mission President's Wife)

Dear Brother and Sister Stolle,

President Christensen and I are so pleased that Elder Stolle is serving in the Ecuador Quito Mission.  We welcome him with all our hearts and know that the gifts he has been given from our Father in Heaven and the talents he has developed will bless the lives of those with and for whom he serves in a unique way only he can offer.   He has impressed us as an outstanding young man.  His dedicated service will further increase his abilities and character in remarkable ways.

There are currently 158 missionaries in our mission, serving in 8 zones.  Elder Stolle has been assigned to serve in Quito in the Los Chillos zone with Elder Memmott as his companion and trainer.  Elder Memmott is known by the other missionaries as being hardworking and positive.

Attached are photos that show Elder Stolle with his companion, the group of missionaries with whom he arrived, this group with their trainers, and with us.  

Monday is Preparation day when he has internet time to read emails you send as well as write to you.  If you would like to send letters or packages, these are mailing instructions:

All mail should be sent to the mission office.  Any letters or packages are then sent by pouch to the zone leader where each missionary is serving. 

Full Missionary Name
Ecuador Quito Mission
Calles Robles E4-151 y Av. Amazonas
Casilla: 17-03-078
Quito, Pichincha
Ecuador

The mail system here is very frustrating.  It seems very random that some packages make it through and others don’t. The green customs sticker must be filled out and packages must be under 8 lbs. or they end up in what we affectionately call “Mail Jail” and are either returned or are subject to heavy fees and the officials go through and take out what they deem unacceptable. I understand that food items are not to be sent and are often confiscated but missionaries get food (candy, peanut butter, jerky etc.) all the time, so it appears that it just depends on who is the attendant that day.   The closer we get to Christmas, the longer packages take to get here and the more likely they are to be held in customs.

We know and understand that there is sacrifice on your part both emotionally and financially to support him during this period of full time missionary service and we express our gratitude for your offering which furthers the work of inviting others to come unto Christ and to receive the blessings of the Gospel in their lives.

With our love and gratitude,

Sister Christine Christensen

Wife of Mission President​

Ecuador Quito Mission

(Note from Mom: He looks really tired in these pictures living on only a few hours of sleep!)