Hola!
Well, it has been another great week! It seems like the work
is getting easier and the days are going faster, so that's good! Today is my
halfway mark in the CCM! I leave on July 9, so 3 more weeks! Sometimes, it
still randomly hits me that I'm a missionary. I think about how I felt when
Scott and Mark were on missions...I definitely prefer the experience I'm having
on my end. Missionary work is great! Even when I'm just learning how to be a
missionary.
Walmart was so fun! It was awesome getting out into the real
world for a few hours. Most people wore jeans, but I didn't bring any, so I had
to wear a skirt. But I didn't mind. Everything there was so cheap! I bought a
little crossbody leather purse for about 8 dollars! It was fun seeing
everything familiar in a different setting. They even had Milka chocolate! So
good! We had about 45 minutes in Walmart, then walked to a mall to eat at the
food court. I really wanted to explore, but we weren't allowed. So instead, I
got to eat more American food at McDonalds! Yaaaay! haha When we got back, we
went to the temple, and then Pday ended. But the new group came the next day!
There are now 3 people here from Highland and 1 (me) from Alpine...but not for
long, since Trent will be coming next transfer, right? Oh, I saw/met Sister
Harris this week! The hermanas are a lot more concerned with their appearance
than my group is. Maybe because they've only been here for a week. When you
realize that there won't be any pictures taken, your motivation to look super
cute dies down pretty fast. We all act like their big sisters, even though
they're all my age or older. Anyway, My new roommates are Hermanas Butler
and Snelson, who are both in my district. We have good district bonding time at
night...haha. I have been labeled the passive-aggressive one because I keep
accidentally throwing things off my bed...and bumping into people. Gotta love
my clumsiness!
So you should be proud...I'm not the picky eater here! I eat
everything they give me, even if it's a little scary looking. I'm slowly
getting used to eating beans for breakfast. A few times, I had straight up
chili with my eggs...oh man. I also had to perform surgery on my finger when I
got a splinter from our metal bathroom door. Apparently I looked like I was
about to pass out...haha. There's a crazy virus going around the CCM right
now...it just infiltrated my district, through my companion. Poor Hna Edwards!
But she's a trooper. It's her birthday, today, too. Whenever something
undesireable happens, our district's motto is, But the church is still
true!...and that it is!
Spanish is progressing! I can tell how much I am improving
each Sunday by how much I understand. Sacrament meeting is the only meeting
that is in Spanish. The branch president calls up people randomly to give talks
on the assigned subject. It's a lot like Hunger Games, actually. haha. My first
Sunday, I barely understood anything. But since then, each week has gotten
easier. I just have to really pay attention. Now I just have to be able to
understand my Branch President...he talks sooo fast! My branch is about half
latino and half norte, so we get a pretty even mix of who speaks. We had
exchanges again. This time, there was one latina to every norte companionship,
since there are a lot less latinas this transfer. We had Hermana Castro. She is
so cute! She is from Guayaquil, Ecuador and is going to Panama. She told us all
about the mosquitos in Central America. Oh joy.
We watched a lot of old devotionals from the Provo MTC this
week. My favorite was from Elder Bednar in June 2009. If you can, try to track
it down! It's about how the Spirit speaks to us and gives us answers, and it
was exactly what I needed. I've also been reading the Ensign from May with all
the General Conference talks. I know that the prophet and apostles are inspired
from God. Those talks are amazing! If anyone hasn't, go back and reread them!
You'll find something new in every talk. I really feel like this week I have
become more like a missionary. I recognize the peace and joy that just reading
the Book of Mormon brings. I love it! My personal study has become more
meaningful. My first week, I usually ended up falling asleep during it, but
now, I treasure every minute.
So it sounds like all is going well at home! That's exciting
that Mel reports tomorrow! Wish her luck for me! She'll be great! At stake
conference, did they announce how many missionaries are serving from our stake?
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, Dad! Sorry I didn't get a letter out. Everyone here was
convinced it was next week. But I hope it was great! I wish I could've been
there to make molasses softies for you! haha Well, I can't think of anything
else to write. I love this Gospel! My testimony grows every day! I've been
teaching a lot about the Plan of Salvation to our 'investigators' and it really
is the plan of happiness! Oh! I committed our teacher to baptism! that was
pretty exciting...because it was in Spanish and we hadn't been planning to yet.
But yeah, God knows each of us and he knows exactly what we need. He knows that
I need to be on a mission right now. Why else would I be in Guatemala, learning
to do all the things I hated doing (talking to strangers, teaching lessons,
etc) at home? It's crazy, but exciting! I love you all and hope you have a
great week!
Love, Hna MacKay
PS letters are appreciated...hint hint
(Posted by Lisa's Mom)
No comments:
Post a Comment