From the week of September 17th:

Caitlin's Mom again.  She is half way through her training in Mexico City.  She is now on independent study which let's her progress more quickly than some of the other missionaries who are struggling with the language. She has also been called to be "Zone Mom" which includes monitoring study time when there isn't a teacher.  Once or twice an hour she makes the rounds of the 4 classrooms and ensures they are actually studying.  She reports she has an effective "Mom look".  Good to know I've taught her something!  Funny quote from one of the district leaders "You have one and a half times the life experience of us, you should go scold them." Elder McLane.

On 9/11 her district held a prayer meeting for military/fire/police/EMS.  They all wore red, white and blue.  For Caitlin and one other who had been in the Air Force this was a very emotional time.  Following 9/11 the Mexico City Temple was rededicated and they had the big cultural celebration. Caitlin really enjoyed the experience:

"It was so cool to watch the Latino's excitement during the broadcast.  It was all about the history of the first missionaries and members in Mexico City and the history behind getting a temple.  The Latino's were beaming with pride during the music and dance....the dancing and dresses were beautiful.  No matter what your nationality or culture, we can ALL celebrate our belief in Christ.  We ALL understand and need the miracles that only He can bring into our lives."

Following the temple dedication was Mexican Independence Day.  The missionaries celebrated with Mexican Dulce (candy) and one of the teachers made them Mexican flags to attach to their nametags.  They had a devotional that night and afterwards were told to go straight to their houses and not to leave.  In prior years there had been celebrations which included shooting guns straight up into the air and they had found bullets in the roofs. Definitely not what a Mom wants to hear! They were also able to spend an afternoon at the Visitor's Center learning about the culture and the Church.

Her emails are full of the excitement she feels in preparing to do the work she feels called to do.  In closing something she shared to think about:

 "Am I closer to the Savior today than I was yesterday? Will I be better tomorrow?

Studying

Celebrating Mexican Independence Day

Mexico City Temple

Angle Moroni holding golden plates

At the Visitor's Center

Friends from the Cultural Celebration and food time buddies.