Hey everyone,
Man, the last few weeks have been so incredibly hard. I know
the beginning is always the hardest, and each week gets better. This last
week has been a bit easier. I've been easing into everything a lot better. I
can practically understand almost everything people say, at least the idea of
what they're saying, but I'm definitely missing a lot of words. I have a
harder time speaking. which is normal when learning a new language, I'm just
happy I can understand a lot better now.
Our area is very small, but the members in the ward are tan
fuego. They held an activity called a Noche Blanca at the church, and the week
before it, we were extending invitations to our investigators and contacts in
the street to come. When the activity occurred, we were a bit disappointed at
first. But about an hour in, people just started showing up and there were so
many people we ran out of chairs and we were scrambling to find some. Also, for
whatever reason, some member dressed up as the Pink Panther and started walking
around. I'm not entirely sure what that has to do with Christmas, but it sure
was entertaining. At the end, our ward mission leader came out as Papa Noel
(Santa Claus) and the bishop gave a message about Jesus. All in all, even though
it was very different, we ended up with 6 new families who were interested in
listening to our message.
It's insane how much food they give us here. They will give
us entire plates of rice (which is extremely filling) then give us more beans,
chicken, bread, then ask us repetitively if we want more food. They keep
calling me flacito, which means skinny, so I've determined they're trying to
get me fat. They think that's a good thing because if you're fat here, it means
you're well off. It just kind of sucks that they're trying to make me fat cause
I've always been able to pride myself in being lean. But I have a plan to stay
skinny; none of the other missionaries think it'll work, but they don't know
me. Just watch, I'll come back and still be skinny, that's a promise.
The other day me and my companion went on divisions and I
was with the bishop for a family home evening. Since he was hosting and
conducting the meeting, he asked that I teach the lesson by myself. I shared a
scripture and gave my testimony of it. Afterwards, I was taking to one of the
non-members there and getting their information. They were very talkative
and I was understanding what they were saying and communicating with them for
like 20 minutes. I mean obviously my Spanish wasn't good, but I walked out with
my mind blown because that was the first time I had an exchange with someone
for more than 2 minutes.
Anyway, Merry Christmas everyone! I bet all your
holidays are probably more festive than mine, but it's all good. I'll send
pictures next week. I forgot my camera, but that means you'll get a lot of
pictures to see next week so that's cool.
- Elder Dyal
Elder Beazer and Elder Dyal
