Momster 417,
Whats kickin'? I was thinking about slang the other day, well, every P day, because Spencer always uses slang in his email and I realize I don't even say boss, sick, dope, bro, or anything cool anymore. Now you can be assured that I have changed and you need not expect more!
Yeah, go Jazz. I don't know if I would be more happy if the Jazz won the playoffs or if someone in Honduras beat Spain in the World Cup. The are both equally unlikely but hey, we can hope.
And as for Spanish getting better, I don't know. Ha, ha. I do help my companion speak proper Spanish. It's hilarious because two Zone Conferences ago another native gave 10 common errors that gringos make. One of them is when they say, "Esta bien con usted?" which in English word for word is, "is it okay with you?" Well, you don't say that in Spanish. Then last Zone Conference we had another reminder that we don't say "Esta bien con usted?" Yet after that conference, which was Tuesday until the next Sunday, he said it 8 times. So I help him remember how to speak his native language. I also sometimes have to help him remember how to conjugate some verbs. I just laugh. But yeah, I can understand pretty much everything that is ever said. But, for example, yesterday we had an in depth conversation about food. And heck, I don't even know all the seasonings in English, let alone Spanish. So I just sat there looking pretty for about 10 minutes. But that's life.
No new encounters with gypsies. We have to go into one of their neighborhoods, but we go fairly early in the day so nothing ever happens. Pentecostals we run into every day and they continue to be Pentecostal. Tonight supposedly, we are going to teach some investigators and they have invited their pastor. We decided to teach the word of wisdom, which is mostly common ground. Except that it comes from a prophet.
The weather is hot, and only getting hotter. I sleep with nothing on me and wake up in a sweat. Be grateful for air conditioning. Or a fan. I would kill for one of those. Anywho, today we are going to a Barbecue. Some Argentines are going to fry up something tasty. Also, you need to drink more mate'. It is quite tasty. I am going to buy me a mate cup and spoon thingy today. Yeah. Drinking hot mate in the sun. Woohoo. And I don't have my camera today, so next week there homies.
Alright, well stay pretty,
P.S. Kacey I would love to have copies of pictures he has sent. Kris
Scott
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Life of a Missionary
So it's fine to spend my money? We are suppose to use our own money to travel, I think, so that would be a help since you also want me to see cool places. And yeah, I can check my balance here, in euros, but I can.
Answers to Questions
Service is kind of difficult here. We don't have a room to do classes of English, and Spain just isn't very serviceable anyway, but we are working with the Red Cross doing a variety of things. Pass out food, move stuff, actually that's it so far, but I will keep you posted.
The ward that I am in now is one of the biggest in Madrid. I think it is the 2nd or 3rd largest, so we have like 150-180 people. I spoke the first week here, which was a little funny because I spoke the week before just in a different ward. Usually the Elders don't speak.
My companion lived in the Canary Islands before coming here, so when they got passed to our mission, he had to change missions. I don't know if it will be at the end of this transfer, or the one that comes. And I have no idea if Junior companions get transferred more. I would probably bet we are the oldest mission in the world right now. I think 9 out of like 46 Elders have at least 13 months. There are only 5 Elders with less time in the mission than me. Also it's funny that I am with the youngest Elder in the mission. Apparently president trusts me or something, but why I don't know.
Anyway, last week was a little rough. I love it, because when everything just falls through, I get really "laughy" and then it's all good. For example, 6 lessons on Saturday fell through, so then we spent the day passing by other people, and either no one was home or was eating. The best part of the day, well one of them, is we went to pass by some members, as was already planned at 5, and they live right next it an investigator who told us he was in another pueblo. The members ended up not being able to meet and as we turn around we see our investigator walking to his piso with like 10 huge bottles of cervesa, aka beer. He didn't see us so we elected to not talk to him and call him later to make sure everything was alright. When we called he assured us that his niece's birthday party in the far away pueblo was really good but he couldn't talk because they were really busy. So yeah, the life of a missionary.
Other cool note is that since the President of the area of Europe came, we have been trying to use everything he taught us. One of those things is walking with our investigators by the hand to their baptism. So, I of course, love holding hands so I was down. Not...but really it's great. We made a reading, praying calender thing with our 16 year old Spanish investigator and now we send her daily texts reminding her to read. We also send a text to the 4 Romanians that live near, with a reading assignment, and the 4 always have different assignments. We always send a text with a scripture that we like within the assignment. It has made a noticeable difference. And it helps us to care more about them as people. But we are still learning and trying new ideas with this theme.
Anyway, Sunday... Went to the Pentecostal Church. Oh yeah. So good. More of a concert or performance, but it was cool. It was all in Romanian, so someone had to translate for us. But it was great, the Pastor said, "And we are going to pray now, together." And all of a sudden 600 Romanians start yelling at the same time. For like 6 minutes. And this happens like 4 times every service. It was quite interesting. Mostly performances and praying until the last 30 minutes, of 2 hours, and then some guy got up and preached. He actually gave a pretty good message from what I could hear through the constant "Amening" and him practically yelling. He talked about how we spend 2 to 3 hours in front of the TV every day and 4 to 5 hours on Facebook, but if we are asked to pray for 30 minutes, it is impossible. It's true. I don't think I had ever prayed for 30 minutes before coming on the mission. And it did seem impossible even though I am sure I spent a 5th of my day on the internet or TV or something like that. Anyway, going to send photos. No idea what order, but the baptism of Walter, the baptismal font, Pammy aka the cure for loneliness, the sign that got me, the family that now mostly has the gospel, and I think a cathedral or something.
Stay pretty.
(The photos wouldn't open so I don't have those to post.) : (
Answers to Questions
Service is kind of difficult here. We don't have a room to do classes of English, and Spain just isn't very serviceable anyway, but we are working with the Red Cross doing a variety of things. Pass out food, move stuff, actually that's it so far, but I will keep you posted.
The ward that I am in now is one of the biggest in Madrid. I think it is the 2nd or 3rd largest, so we have like 150-180 people. I spoke the first week here, which was a little funny because I spoke the week before just in a different ward. Usually the Elders don't speak.
My companion lived in the Canary Islands before coming here, so when they got passed to our mission, he had to change missions. I don't know if it will be at the end of this transfer, or the one that comes. And I have no idea if Junior companions get transferred more. I would probably bet we are the oldest mission in the world right now. I think 9 out of like 46 Elders have at least 13 months. There are only 5 Elders with less time in the mission than me. Also it's funny that I am with the youngest Elder in the mission. Apparently president trusts me or something, but why I don't know.
Anyway, last week was a little rough. I love it, because when everything just falls through, I get really "laughy" and then it's all good. For example, 6 lessons on Saturday fell through, so then we spent the day passing by other people, and either no one was home or was eating. The best part of the day, well one of them, is we went to pass by some members, as was already planned at 5, and they live right next it an investigator who told us he was in another pueblo. The members ended up not being able to meet and as we turn around we see our investigator walking to his piso with like 10 huge bottles of cervesa, aka beer. He didn't see us so we elected to not talk to him and call him later to make sure everything was alright. When we called he assured us that his niece's birthday party in the far away pueblo was really good but he couldn't talk because they were really busy. So yeah, the life of a missionary.
Other cool note is that since the President of the area of Europe came, we have been trying to use everything he taught us. One of those things is walking with our investigators by the hand to their baptism. So, I of course, love holding hands so I was down. Not...but really it's great. We made a reading, praying calender thing with our 16 year old Spanish investigator and now we send her daily texts reminding her to read. We also send a text to the 4 Romanians that live near, with a reading assignment, and the 4 always have different assignments. We always send a text with a scripture that we like within the assignment. It has made a noticeable difference. And it helps us to care more about them as people. But we are still learning and trying new ideas with this theme.
Anyway, Sunday... Went to the Pentecostal Church. Oh yeah. So good. More of a concert or performance, but it was cool. It was all in Romanian, so someone had to translate for us. But it was great, the Pastor said, "And we are going to pray now, together." And all of a sudden 600 Romanians start yelling at the same time. For like 6 minutes. And this happens like 4 times every service. It was quite interesting. Mostly performances and praying until the last 30 minutes, of 2 hours, and then some guy got up and preached. He actually gave a pretty good message from what I could hear through the constant "Amening" and him practically yelling. He talked about how we spend 2 to 3 hours in front of the TV every day and 4 to 5 hours on Facebook, but if we are asked to pray for 30 minutes, it is impossible. It's true. I don't think I had ever prayed for 30 minutes before coming on the mission. And it did seem impossible even though I am sure I spent a 5th of my day on the internet or TV or something like that. Anyway, going to send photos. No idea what order, but the baptism of Walter, the baptismal font, Pammy aka the cure for loneliness, the sign that got me, the family that now mostly has the gospel, and I think a cathedral or something.
Stay pretty.
(The photos wouldn't open so I don't have those to post.) : (
Friday, April 16, 2010
Learning New Things...Not All Good.
Mom,
I will answer your question with a question. What are duds? Clothes? Last week we went to Segovia and explored a castle and some caves, hence shirt and tie not necessary. And again I forgot my camera cord, but this time I have a better excuse. I remembered when we left to do internet, but realized that it's in my piso in Arganda, and we were doing exchanges so, yeah.
And yeah, transfers are every 6 weeks and I will definitely stay. President likes to keep senior companions in their areas for 6-8 months. So really, I will probably serve in 3 areas, and a maximum of 4. The old president transferred way more often. But, oh well. I won't complain because we have some sick members here. And I will be teaching Romanians until I leave this area. I think this pueblo is about 35% Romanians, 10% South Americans, 35% Spaniards, and 20% gypsies. We don't teach gypsies because they are probably the ugliest group of people on the earth. I am aware of the missionary attitude that I should have but wow, I wish I could send pictures. They have neighborhoods of just gypsies and it works kind of like the mafia. There is like the Godfather and then leaders. And you don't go into gypsy neighborhoods during the night without permission from the Godfather or you get mugged real good. All these people do to live is steal mug and deal drugs. We attempted to contact two of them and during the contact 2 of their kids came up and spit on us. Like kids with 10 years old. And the parents just laughed. I can only imagine what you would do to me if I spit on anyone, let alone missionaries. But yeah, then we have one area in our zone that we aren't allowed to go into. The police don't even enter. My companion says it's probably just like his hometown ha, ha... but we still avoid it. Some missionaries have entered and they described it as the 7th level of hell. People shooting up, bonfires in the large barrels, drunk people laughing and shouting and nothing and nobody, and other stuff that need not be described. So yeah, more than anything I have learned about gypsies this past week. I really want to watch The Hunchback of Notre Dame to see how accurate that movie is.
Anyway, work goes well, Spanish is great, church is true. We are teaching a 16 year old girl who is dating a 38 year old member who is a returned missionary. Ha, ha. They are both way awesome but really, only in Spain... But, she is a Spaniard and said she wants to be baptized so sweet. Giddy-up. FYI... going to Sol today, which is like downtown, and I may buy some clothes.
Thanks, love you! Stay pretty.
I will answer your question with a question. What are duds? Clothes? Last week we went to Segovia and explored a castle and some caves, hence shirt and tie not necessary. And again I forgot my camera cord, but this time I have a better excuse. I remembered when we left to do internet, but realized that it's in my piso in Arganda, and we were doing exchanges so, yeah.
And yeah, transfers are every 6 weeks and I will definitely stay. President likes to keep senior companions in their areas for 6-8 months. So really, I will probably serve in 3 areas, and a maximum of 4. The old president transferred way more often. But, oh well. I won't complain because we have some sick members here. And I will be teaching Romanians until I leave this area. I think this pueblo is about 35% Romanians, 10% South Americans, 35% Spaniards, and 20% gypsies. We don't teach gypsies because they are probably the ugliest group of people on the earth. I am aware of the missionary attitude that I should have but wow, I wish I could send pictures. They have neighborhoods of just gypsies and it works kind of like the mafia. There is like the Godfather and then leaders. And you don't go into gypsy neighborhoods during the night without permission from the Godfather or you get mugged real good. All these people do to live is steal mug and deal drugs. We attempted to contact two of them and during the contact 2 of their kids came up and spit on us. Like kids with 10 years old. And the parents just laughed. I can only imagine what you would do to me if I spit on anyone, let alone missionaries. But yeah, then we have one area in our zone that we aren't allowed to go into. The police don't even enter. My companion says it's probably just like his hometown ha, ha... but we still avoid it. Some missionaries have entered and they described it as the 7th level of hell. People shooting up, bonfires in the large barrels, drunk people laughing and shouting and nothing and nobody, and other stuff that need not be described. So yeah, more than anything I have learned about gypsies this past week. I really want to watch The Hunchback of Notre Dame to see how accurate that movie is.
Anyway, work goes well, Spanish is great, church is true. We are teaching a 16 year old girl who is dating a 38 year old member who is a returned missionary. Ha, ha. They are both way awesome but really, only in Spain... But, she is a Spaniard and said she wants to be baptized so sweet. Giddy-up. FYI... going to Sol today, which is like downtown, and I may buy some clothes.
Thanks, love you! Stay pretty.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Tired is an attitude that can be changed!
Alright, well hey, how is it going?
So, I could really summarize this last week where being tired is an attitude and can be changed. But... we will get to that. Today we are in a little place called Segovia and for the first time on my mission, besides while exercising, I am not in proselyting clothes. It's like freedom! Weird, but yeah, I don't have my planner so I don't really remember what has happened. Although I did meet perhaps the most perfect, interesting woman in the world.
It was weird, because I have been sick, and on Friday, we finished an appointment at 8 and were going to go in early so I could sleep. We changed our clothes and got a call saying a blessing was needed. There was a Melquisedec priesthood holder there (and yes, that is Spanish because I don't want to attempt it in English.) Anyway, he said he didn't have oil and needed us, so we changed and went to wait for the bus. Since it was a holiday, like every other day here in Spain, the buses weren't running. After 45minutes of waiting we called him and asked what type of blessing was needed. He said comfort and counsel. We said, alright you don't need oil. Then he said he couldn't give it. So we walked the 20 minute walk and I was grumpy, but yeah... We walked in and start getting to know this girl that needed the blessing. Alright... born in Iraq, grew up in Spain, studies in United Kingdom, knows 6 languages, and she is a convert from Muslim.Her parents are like way chill with it. She has probably the most interesting life I know. So I gave this blessing in like Spanish/English and it was pretty legit. But yeah, it was cool.
Conference was great. I won't give my summary, but I liked it. Conference is just the best day. Then we had exchanges on Monday and I was in a piso with 3 other Elders. I don't know how, but we stayed up till 5 talking. We still woke up on time though, don't worry. And last night I thought I would be more tired but then I still stayed up till 1 talking. And today I feel pretty good. Really, it's all attitude, that being tired. I may die soon but I will be happy when I go. Anyway, another day of not having my camera chord so maybe one day I will finally send you more pictures.
Finally, it's looking like I will have a Spanish baptism soon. So I will keep you updated.
Anyway, stay pretty.
Elder Dunn
So, I could really summarize this last week where being tired is an attitude and can be changed. But... we will get to that. Today we are in a little place called Segovia and for the first time on my mission, besides while exercising, I am not in proselyting clothes. It's like freedom! Weird, but yeah, I don't have my planner so I don't really remember what has happened. Although I did meet perhaps the most perfect, interesting woman in the world.
It was weird, because I have been sick, and on Friday, we finished an appointment at 8 and were going to go in early so I could sleep. We changed our clothes and got a call saying a blessing was needed. There was a Melquisedec priesthood holder there (and yes, that is Spanish because I don't want to attempt it in English.) Anyway, he said he didn't have oil and needed us, so we changed and went to wait for the bus. Since it was a holiday, like every other day here in Spain, the buses weren't running. After 45minutes of waiting we called him and asked what type of blessing was needed. He said comfort and counsel. We said, alright you don't need oil. Then he said he couldn't give it. So we walked the 20 minute walk and I was grumpy, but yeah... We walked in and start getting to know this girl that needed the blessing. Alright... born in Iraq, grew up in Spain, studies in United Kingdom, knows 6 languages, and she is a convert from Muslim.Her parents are like way chill with it. She has probably the most interesting life I know. So I gave this blessing in like Spanish/English and it was pretty legit. But yeah, it was cool.
Conference was great. I won't give my summary, but I liked it. Conference is just the best day. Then we had exchanges on Monday and I was in a piso with 3 other Elders. I don't know how, but we stayed up till 5 talking. We still woke up on time though, don't worry. And last night I thought I would be more tired but then I still stayed up till 1 talking. And today I feel pretty good. Really, it's all attitude, that being tired. I may die soon but I will be happy when I go. Anyway, another day of not having my camera chord so maybe one day I will finally send you more pictures.
Finally, it's looking like I will have a Spanish baptism soon. So I will keep you updated.
Anyway, stay pretty.
Elder Dunn
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
