Changes Continue

Hello! I know I have been complaining about learning the language this whole time but I had an experience that boosted my confidence yesterday. My companion and I were out looking for members who don't come to church. As we were walking back to our car we met a gentlemen in the street.  We only talked to him for a few minutes but as we were talking to him I was carrying most of the conversation. At the end before we said our goodbye's he asked me if my companion knew Spanish (because she hadn't really talked) I laughed a little inside because she knows way more then me. I was pleased to know that I can carry on a good conversation with someone without help. VICTORY!!!! Isn't that awesome!? I was super happy! I know I probably improve everyday but sometimes it is hard to see your own improvements when you are with yourself 24/7.

 

This weekend our old President left for home and our new President as arrived. I am super excited to meet him. He has a lot to do this first 3 weeks not only moving in but in the mission! I will meet him Wednesday at Zone Conference. It was sad to say goodbye to the President and his wife. They have done so much for the mission. We had the goodbye training that he used to give to the missionaries before they went home. He gave it to us because he has been super successful in his work and would give it to the missionaries going home teaching them things to be successful. I learned alot. One tip he gave was my favorite. I don't remember the words but the basic message was "if you want to learn how to play soccer, play with brazilians". I went up to the native spanish speaking  Elders who I have become friends with and said "if you want to learn how to speak spanish. Surround yourself with Paisas". Just a side note -The word paisa is a slang term. I hear it means different things it different countries. Probably don't call someone that just in case. I just know that they always refer to themselves as that so it was pretty funny at the time. The training was super good. I just need to remember everything he told us and apply it for when I get home. I was glad the President did it before he left. I heard it was really good from my companion who just went home.

I can't think of anything else to say. It is weird that I officially have less then a year left. I have loved my mission so far. On saturday we went over to a house of a recent convert to eat lunch. They plan on going through the temple in a year. I realized it is something that I would have to come back for if I wanted to go. Isn't that crazy? In a year from now I will be home. Where is the time going. It makes me want to work even harder.

 

Oh I was reading the parable of the talents this week. Isn't interesting that the word talent meant something different back in those days then it does now. As I was reading it I realized am not sure what my talents are. I don't have anything physical like playing an instrument or singing. My talents are something you can't display on stage. I decided that if I wanted to add to my talents I need to figure out what they are. It goes back to that thing of not being able to recognize yourself when you are with yourself for so long. There are two Elder's in my district who play guitar. I wish we had more time to have lessons but our days are so packed. That is one talent that I have wanted to develop for awhile. That and playing the piano. There was an Elder who told me he learned how to play hymns on his mission not knowing anything before hand. I plan to find what my talents are and add to them. I don't want to be like the man in the scriptures who doesn't add to them. I think sharing them would be easier if you knew what you had. I know a few of them but not all. I know you all have many talents! If you don't know what they are find them and add to them.

 

I better go. Love you!