I love you alllllllllllll
BREAKING NEWS! I am starting to get my foot tan! I’m almost a true missionary! I’m very proud :)
MONDAY: A very happy p-day.
Thank you to all you who very discretely told me that I am funny. I appreciate it. You see, its just not the same in Spanish. They all just think I am stupid. Once I was trying to explain that the ice cream was from heaven (cielo) and they kept trying to correct and says its from ice (hielo). No thank you, I’m very aware of what I am saying. Happens on the daily: such is life. I don’t mind.
I am grateful for the Spirit and all my years on the streets of Detroit. Hna Roca and I were headed to a FHE like normal. We were on this street that was a wee bit darker and something just didn’t feel right. Lo and behold there were two men behind us and a group of men on the corner across the street. We look at each other, get to the corner and book it! (Also good thing I am so fast.) Now I’m not sure really who those men were or what their intentions were, if anything, nor do I want to. But I am grateful for the guidance of the Spirit. As we trust in its promptings it will protect us both spiritually and temporally even when we may not understand. And maybe next time I won’t skip in the street.
TUESDAY: A day chock full of things that I don’t remember.
Salchipapas.
And pacai, it is the weirdest fruit in the world. Seriously.
Hairy and slimy all at the same time. Amazing. Isn’t it?
WEDNESDAY: 3 month mark. Holla at ya boy. Besides that, nothing too noteworthy.
THURSDAY: Interviews with pres. He brought up my knee, a subject that I thought was long gone. Definitely gave me a good scare. But besides that it was nice. Told me some things I needed to hear and I was off!
Some pregunitas from the old pops.
Is the language coming?
It doesn’t feel like it, but yes, I have enough to communicate with just about anyone. There are definitely still times when I have no idea what’s going on. But it’s becoming more rare.
Are you able to understand people?
See above. Usually. There are times when I just understand the subject, and not the storyline. Sometimes they try and speak to me in English and that’s even worse. Can never understand their English.
Do you feel the power to speak?
100% yes. It’s incredible.
How does language/culture affect your relationship with Hna Roca? She says things that sound very rude, but I’m just trying to remind myself that it’s just the language barrier. I don’t know, it’s weird. And it’s very had to express my feelings how I’d like. But it works!
Have I figured out the magic words to tell the members I can’t eat enough for a family of 5?
No. We usually sit down to the macchu picchu there and then grin and bear it.
What do I know about Pres?
From Idaho. Father of 4. In his 40s. Really good guy.
Have I had time to spend with him in interviews?
As of Thursday. Yes. About 15 minutes every 3 months.
District/Zone Leaders?
Good as far as I know. We don’t spend that much time together. Do they understand the missionaries they work with? Yeah?
Are they good leaders? Sure.
Do they respect the sisters? Definitely.
There are 10 zones in the mission. Only 5 have sisters. And our is a rare case where there are more sisters than elders.
So they have to. We have them out-numbered.
` Have I heard about “my plan”? Nope. Never. Sorry. Sounds funky.
FRIDAY: For all of you who were so curious about my Rubiks cube efforts. I had to give up. Mostly because my companion threw it at the ceiling. Reminds me of young Jacob and my dear hamster.
Literally cannot remember anything else form this day.
I’m becoming that missionary! Sorry. :|
SATURDAY: First session of conference was a little rough. A little too nostalgic and a little painful. . . . I wish I understood more.
The second I got to listen to in English!! It was wonderful. Soo good.
I’d like to echo the words of Elder Holland, thank you mom, for everything. All that I am is thanks to you (and dad too). I’m lucky to have the world’s greatest mom. I definitely missed playing conference bingo!
SUNDAY: All English. Conference was WOW. I remember conference feeling long but these sessions flew by. I wanted to listen forever.
This weekend has really helped me realize how incredibly blessed I am. In so many ways. Family, people. That’s where it’s at. Miss you guys :)
We met this little girl whose dad wants her to listen to the missionaries but doesn’t want to himself. She and her brothers live in the smallest room I’ve seen yet. My goodness. And when we gave her a Book of Mormon she clung to it like it was the most precious thing she had.
We had a Noche de Hogar with these four children that would just break your heart. They’re all but abandoned. Their mother is never home and the older sister (15) is doing her best to take care of them. When we pass by the two youngest (5 & 9) are always home alone locked in their house. They were so excited to have FHE, to have someone care about them. I wish there was more I could do.
This week was a little slow, but next week will be better.
I love you all!
Herman Anderson 1 Nephi 3:7 #ponderize
