Hola, a unos y a todos!
Well, things are going, poco a poco. I guess I'll write a bit about what is going on here, and then respond a little more.
I do have a new companion. His name is Elder J, and he's from Idaho. We actually came out together into the field. He's an O.K. guy. It's definitely been an adjustment. To tell you the truth, I've been struggling a lot, and these past 5 days have been some of the longest of my life. Apparently, there are a lot of rules that aren't in the white handbook and haven't come out in any of the mission news articles, but that we should all already know about. Plus, he's a perfectionist, and it seems like he's just super focused on getting numbers. I'm not a huge fan of that. I've been finding some comfort in letters that I've received from home, especially while I was with Elder N. But I just feel like it's going to be difficult. I had thought about that - that by the end of the transfer, they were some of my good friends. With Elder Kobayashi (and I recorded this on the tape that I'm hoping to send home soon), when he left, I had that feeling like I was leaving home again. I've been a very frustrated person over the past few days.
I don't know, I guess I just need someone to talk to. I don't feel like I can talk to Elder J, because there are some times that you just want to vent, and afterwards, you feel better. But then there are the people who will try to fix whatever is wrong, which can make the whole thing even more frustrating. On top of that, I've had a case of homesickness coming back in. Not a good combination.
What I love about going through any trial is the fact that God is always right there. I've been praying a lot more recently, and really feel like my prayers are being answered. It's definitely a growing time for me here. I'm not sure I like the whole growing and stretching process, but I'm sure I'll look back and be proud of the progress I've been able to make, thanks to the strength I can receive from God.
I got the pictures! I saw 2: Kristin's 'Nerd Day' picture, and a close up. Way awesome, Kristin!! How was Nerd Day?
Hmm....as for experiences, things have been moving forward. We've taught a few lessons in English, which has actually been really fun. It's good to see where some of the flaws in my teaching are, and where I get stuck on maybe saying the same thing a few different times. We taught 2 people in their house: Erica B and Steven "Frodo" L. They're doing some remodeling in their house, and it was great that I actually understood what they were talking about, because we had done some of that on the house and on the pool house! We offered to help, but they turned it down. They both (Especially Steven) had a lot of questions, which is actually a HUGE change. Just like us, he doesn't believe that the Bible is perfect, especially because it was written by man, and not wholly inspired of God. And when we told him about conference this Saturday and Sunday, he really perked up. He wrote down the information on how to watch it online, because he wasn't sure if he'd be able to make it up there to Clear Lake (about 15 minutes driving) while working on the remodel. So it was really cool to have those questions, and really fun to spend time with them. Elder J wasn't really a fan, because we went a little overtime. I guess we'll just have to change that for another time!
And finally - I got 73 OYMs!!! It's been a while since I've been able to get them. I think I've just really been kind of afraid to talk to people, but that fear kind of disappears as you talk to more people. I felt a really big sense of accomplishment when we got home at the end of the day. I'm still not sure how happy I am with the huge emphasis that the mission has on numbers, but we're making progress. Maybe I should be fine with it, I don't know.
So, that was kind of an experience from the week! Oh, and something we heard was that the missionaries who were going home had the truck/trailer broken into, and ALL of their things were stolen. That definitely couldn't have been a happy day!
Wow, sounds like things are really busy! And CONGRATS TO BRENT AND PAIJ!!!! They must be really happy! Send me an e-mail or a letter when they've decided on her name!
Haha and I thought that was AWESOME when I read that Justin wants to be a movie director!! I can't wait to see some of the movies he's come up with since I've been out here! Plus, Full Sail University looks way cool!! But yeah, I definitely hope we can go to BYU-I before that. We might even be able to room together! We'll have to talk about all of that college info when it gets a little bit closer. I for sure want to go to school with Justin for a while, at least!
And I'm definitely looking forward to your drawing, Kristin! I hope it gets here soon, because it sounds like you put a lot of hard work into it. How are things going, at home and at school? With friends? Are you going to Cal Skate on Friday, or do you have something else going on? That's a way cool outfit you had on for Nerd Day!
Well, I've got to go. Have a great week! I'm looking forward to hearing back from you soon! Sorry that there aren't any pictures this time...
I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A infinidad, y mas alla!!!!!!!!!
El Devinator
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