Date
December 19, 2017
Area
Guatamala City
Companion
Elder Ludlow
Week 3
This week last week was a lot of mixed emotions, the Quetchi (Idk how to spell it in english), but the elders that are learning Ke'chi to serve in Coban (They have 9 weeks total at the CCM), along with all of the other Latino Elders left in the middle of the night Monday Morning, and I had a lot of friends with them. Some of the older North american Elders that were 3 weeks ahead also let, and I had a couple of friends in that group too. I got some pictures, but it's sad :( Tomorrow the new batch of Latino and North American elders come in, and it'll be nice to meet some of them and make new friends. Also yesterday we were supposed to go to the Zoo, but it was closed, so we got to go to some old Mayan Ruins instead! That was really cool as well, and Wendy's just made me sick because I'm not used to fast food. All of the elders and hermanas that are going to Honduras didn't end up leaving with their transfer, because of the political unrest. The election results haven't been finalized yet, and there is a lot of fighting and violence right now, and many missionaries are on lockdown. (Imagine the results of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton coming down really close, and the results being delayed for recounting and stuff... but in a violent 3rd world country lol) Things are settling down though, and Tegucigalpa just got the Okay like 5 minutes ago, so it'll probably be a matter of days before the rest of the Honduran Missionaries go out. That might not be exactly what it's like, but that's how rumors fly around the CCM haha. I don't think it's actually that bad, because all of the Mission presidents said is was safe and okay to send missionaries, but the area 70 said to hold off for a few days. I will be able to call on Christmas for 30 minutes I believe. We don't know what time yet, but hopefully things work out. Just be ready at all times ;) We don't have access to skype from this MTC, but I still can't wait to talk on the phone!
I hope Bekah and Kate did well at their performances!!! Tell them I clapped for them, and they have a fan that's 2000 miles away :))))
Thanks for the money mom! I already bought some really cool leather scripture cases, and some other stuff here.
I played volleyball a little bit the last few days, and I've got to admit, it's a lot more fun than working out, but with other elders at +15-20 pounds from their 3-6 weeks at the MTC, I think it'll be a good idea to balance my casual volleyball with some harder exercise. As of right now I haven't really gained any weight, so that's good! haha
I'm officially a 3 weeker! It feels so good! I'm going to be able to play all of the pranks on the new elders, like clicking the volume button on the dorm hallway phone, and after it does the fake ring, picking it up and saying "Oh! Hola Presidente! Elder Brown? Si... Pienso que si... Nueva Misión en Utah? En serio???? él hizo que???? *Moves phone away from head* Is there an elder Brown here? President needs to speak with him. Something about an incorrect mission assignment."
Ahhhhh It's gonna be glorious hahah!
Its weird to think we're already half way done! Christmas is less than a week away and yet it's 68 degrees outside, and I study under a papaya tree with fruit on it. Time is starting to fly! Before I know it I'll be out serving the Lord to the best of my ability in Honduras!
Our president had an impression to show some of us the mission president training video, which was a devotional broadcast style thing by Elder Holland to the Mission Presidents around the world. It was a little bit weird being one of 25 missionaries permitted to see such an exclusive video, that only mission presidents are typically allowed to see, but it was a very amazing, spiritual experience, and I learned a lot! Especially about following the Spirit.
Love you so much mom! I'll talk to you on Christmas!
Excerpt from Will's letter to his dad:
Thanks dad! Sorry, I would reply in Spanish, but I'm not quite as fast at that yet. For our fieldtrip I didn't get to talk to many locals, but I spent the entire time with Elder Herrera, and he's probably my best friend here right now. He doesn't speak any english, so that was really good practice for me. He was supposed to leave with the other Latinos, but since he is going to Honduras with all the political unrest, he got postponed. He just got the news though that he leaves tomorrow morning. :(((((( I'm excited for him though! I'm glad his mission was postponed so that we could go to the ruins and everything together!
Thank you dad, I love you and can't wait to talk with you on Christmas!
Love,
Elder Allen