June 2, 2008

Mba’e Chapa!

Or translated from Guaraní, How are ya? First of all, thank you so much for dealing with my card, that was just a headache. Pero tengo una pregunta. Should I keep my card that I have now or just cut it up? But I´d also like to thank you for the packages, they were both amazing. I got my second on Thursday, when I had to go into Asuncion and sign in to the country, and they picked up the mail in the same trip, and lo and behold, a package for me was there! Haha, I’m making the wonderful delicious candy last as long as I can, because they don’t have any of the good sugary goodness down here, its all just pastries. But I also have another item for the next time you send a package, the Gillete Fusion razor blades. They don’t have those down here, and I’m thinking in advance. I have a cartridge full left, so I don’t want you to panic and send a package right away, but just for the next time you put one together, I’m just letting ya know.

The mission activities sounded like fun, and I’m sure E. Parkin is loving having a family that really looks out for him, I know from personal experience. There’s a couple people here in the Salado ward that really look after us missionaries, and I love them so much. Oh, and I guess I just gave away a little about my cambio, or change, so I guess I’ll talk about what I know you’re dying to read about. As I just gave away, I stayed here in Salado, and I´m taking care of a new companion right now… And when I say taking care of, I mean it haha. My new comp’s name is E. Cameron, and he’s from Canada. He’s also 10 times weirder than my comp from the MTC… but that’s okay. I´m training him to be a senior comp, which means this is his first time in control. However, he doesn´t know the area, and is definitely out of touch with the people, so I’m basically senior comp right now as we plan and when it comes to reading the people and concerning their needs. I’m learning so much right now about myself, and seeing just how much the Lord is preparing me. I can see in myself right now a lot more of a leader than I ever thought I was, and I´ve really been impressing myself as I communicate with the people. The Lord is helping me, because he knows I need to be able to have that ability to communicate, and since the second I became comps with E. Cameron, I´ve understood everything anyone has said to me. But we’ve already had a couple little disagreements so far, and I´m definitely learning patience working with him. Oh, and to answer you’re question, I miss E. NIlsen so much, that guy was a stud, and he knew what was going on.

I’m also very excited, because this change I received a calling in the Zone. I´m the “hombrero”, which is the person who tracks the ordinations to the Priesthood of all the men who have been baptized, to help make sure that they all get it. So every week I get to call each companionship and talk with them about what they´re doing to make sure everyone gets the priesthood. I´m really excited about it, even though in reality its not that great. But it shows that the Zone Leaders trust me with that responsibility, and that reminds me, my zone leaders are just awesome. They are E. Adams and E. Pavon, and they´re both sweet. E. Adams is one of my better friends here in the mission so far, along with E. Moreira, who I´m still living with. E. Vasquez went to a different area this change, but he´d been in Salado for 9 months, so even though E. Moreira and I miss him, we’re also happy for him. Now E. Moreira has E. Ralon for a companion, and he came to Paraguay with me. Its weird to be living in a house with only one latino now.

Anyways, I think that just about covers everything for now. All is well, and I´m having a blast.

Love,

E. Dennis