Tagging and Graffiti in Arcadia

These are photos that Jake took of graffiti in the area he is currently serving in.

On the streets of Arcadia

 

Elder Anderson and Elder Kartchner with an L.A. backdrop.

The L.A. "River"

Elder K. standing by the L.A. "River"

The homeless pad under the overpass.

Los Angeles

L.A. at night

Chillin' on prep-day

Elder K. and Elder Jimenez

Bahooka

Okay, as far as I know Jake didn't really explain what "Bahooka" is...Maybe mom can fill in more details? Anyway, it looks like a crazy restaurant where some crazy missionaries ate during the week of Halloween. Yum!

Jake with Elder Jimenez eating at The Bahooka. Apparently the drinks are awesome (and alcohol-free, of course!)

Bahooka

Big 33-yr-old fish Rufus at Bahooka.

Around Arcadia

Okay, we're finally ready to move on to the pictures of the mission field! Elder Kartchner's captions are below each picture (and when I just couldn't help myself, I added comments in parentheses).

Some street in Cali (Gee, that was descriptive, thanks Jake!)

The cemetary

The cemetary - These pictures don't do it justice. It is huge and packed with headstones and a little creepy. (Hmm..what did you expect? Well, maybe it's because he took these pictures around Halloween. But still, it's broad daylight. :)

My new home. We live with a little old lady.

Stylin' missionary bedroom

My room and new companion, Elder Anderson.

Elder Anderson

Pictures on the streets of sunny California coming soon!

Classic Missionary Pics

Hi, my name is Elder Kartchner and I'm going to...

Arcadia, California

AND Monterrey, Mexico.

See ya in a couple of years!

Missionaries Can Sing!

Elder K. sent this video along with his most recent batch of photos. His niece has already watched it at least 20 times. She likes to watch for the 2 seconds when Jake is actually on the screen. She also liked the singing and has learned a few new Spanish words. Missionaries are great, dontchathink?!

More Pictures from the MTC

Jake sent some more pictures last week so I'll be posting them throughout this week. Some are from the MTC and there are also some from his new life in Arcadia. Also, an excerpt from a recent letter:

"Things are pretty good here in California. I finally feel like I am getting the hang of things. My Spanish is still not so good but it's coming along. I hear you guys are getting some snow. I am not missingthe cold at all. I have no idea when I leave to Mexico or how much notice I will get, but it's all good. I am here and that's what matters for now."

Here are some of the photos. Most of the ones with other missionaries were taken on his last night in the MTC. Captions were writted by Jake.

 Last temple visit before leaving Provo.

Sleepover in the MTC.

More sleepover in the MTC.

District picture with Hermano Teerlink (far right, one of our teachers).

Me and Hermano Teerlink

Me and Elder Wright

Me and Elder Miso

District Picture, Last Sunday at the MTC

Me and Elder Spilker

Me and Elder Valle

Me and Elder Gomez

Elder Johnson and me. He came in after me but is going to the Monterrey West Mission too.

Me and Elder Christensen

Me and Elder Meason

Me and Elder Phillips

Me and Elder Adair

Me and Elder Hatfield