I had 24 emails to greet me this morning. I just sat here and cried. In a good way...I think.
When you last saw me I was bundled up in my Old Navy coat and grey hat getting on a small plane in St.George, Utah. After a long, but mostly uneventful day of traveling we arrived at the Buenos Aires Airport. We all shuffled around got our bags. We got outside expecting to see ... I don't know...someone in a suit or a white person or something...? But no. There was a dude with a sign in Spanish that said "Iglesia De Jesucristo" ...blah!
Good thing I was there. I was the only one of 17 who could speak to him. I organized everyone. Helped call role. Loaded us onto the shuttle buses and we were off!
It was raining hard when we got here. So much for "it's summer and so hot." I was glad to have my grey hat and coat.
We were dropped off at the curb, each of us with 3 heavy suitcases, and shuffled into the nearest building. We finally got everyone and their belongings inside. The front desk then told us we weren't supposed to be there. Awesome.
I ventured off into the rain trying door after door building after building until finally, I found and "inn" that would take us. We moved into a cafeteria that was nearish and then.... we were lost.
I think I expected a gal with some CCM (MTC in Spanish) expecience to come and take me under her wing and help me with my bags, give me a dork dot, some advice, and possibly comfort. But no.
After a while a guy we didn't even know took us into a small room. As it turns out, he is a teacher here. The people in the room handed us papers and took them back, moved them around and for some reason I just felt like they didn't know we were coming or something? Guess what! I DIDN'T CRY! They gave us our tags (YAY!... mine looks permanently dirty though so maybe I'll "lose" it to get a new one) and took our pictures. We were then sent for interviews with the Presidents wife.
I was greeted with a trash can to my face and the sweet words of "GUM". I wish they had said "Welcome" instead. Perhaps- "So happy you made it. Sorry it's all been super hectic. How do you feel you are holding up? Oh P.S. I'm sooooo sorry, but we can't have gum. Here is the garbage.".... When she said "GUM!" that's probably what she meant. She made up for it by following with NO HATS and telling me my boobs were too large for my sunflower top. I chose to be humble.
Without a single word or excuse I removed my hat and went upstairs to find a camisole.
I had an interview with the President about why I was there and it was nice and all. I don't know why they always choose squares to work with the youth in the church, but I hope the McMullin family in Paraguay make me feel more welcome.
Everyone was amazed with my Spanish and told me I should be more advanced than the beginners class. Obviously my phone-test yeilded nothing. I had to be re-organized. Different room, different companion...BUT FINALLY I got a room and a chance to relax and unpack. It was hard to locate my things because my Mom is a wiz at packing, but eventually I did ;) . Now I'm nervous for packing it all up to leave on Tuesday. That's right people. TUESDAY!
My Spanish is better than you thought, huh? I only need 4 days here! Ok, I probably need more, but every one else who arrived was new. They are all in the beginner class. The "advanced" class I thought I was going to was actually the class for the NATIVES ! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
It's been 24/7 Spanish from the moment I got here. I actually I feel GREAT! Gift of tongues people! My classes, meetings, books, and prayers are all in Spanish. I can understand it all and for the most part I can say everything I want to say! :)
*pause for applause*
My comp is nice. She's from Mexico so she's very Mexican. I'm used to her already. Although, sometimes she'll say "in my country" and I'm like.... yeah... I know. I lived there. Hahah, but really we get along perfectly.
I wont be here long enough to send anything so please send letter or packages to my mission. This is the first and only MTC email. Crazy!
I hear time moves faster in the field so I am ok with leaving.
Life got calmer after the first day and it was: Class. Eat. Sleep... just like Dad said.
Im seriously being SO obedient.
No hats
No gum
No music (after I spent all the time on my Ipod)
No high 5s with Elders
*pause for more applause*
I miss you all and I am hoping it only gets easier. I'm a noob.
I don't wanna be that missionary who writes EVERYTHING as a miracle or the most spiritual thing she's ever heard, but I did have the coolest experiences this week. I believe/think/hope I can do this.
The strongest impressions of the week were God REALLY loves all of us. A LOT! The Book of Mormon is true. It is not only true, but proof that He didn't leave us alone to guess what to do. He's got our back. He is waiting to help. All we have to do it ask (like Joseph Smith did) and He will always answer. I'm gonna let him help because I need it!
Yes this is hard, but mostly just because it's hard to not be with you all.
The mock investigators we have had only made me more sure of my choice to come do this thing.
To knock on peoples doors and tell them they are not alone. God loves them and is guiding his church today.
That's worth it.
I haven't even done it for real yet and it's already worth it.
I LOVE you guys
and I MISS you guys
and I hope I have more time next week.
To the people reading my blog that I didn't reply to: It was only because of time!!!
I loved and read ALL your letters.
Sending sooooo much love!
love love love love.
XOXO
Ofish SIS
P.S. I believe the PDay in the field will be different from the MTC's. Right now I expect it to be on Mondays! I'll be excited to hear from you all then! Loves.
