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
Monday, June 2, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
May 26, 2008
Hola,
Well, my first change is just about over. But… I can´t tell you the details of the transfers cause, well, we don´t have them yet. But wow, our Zone Leaders played a GREAT trick on us this morning in District Meeting. Of course everyone was all excited to hear about where people are headed and who´ll be their comps and all that, and we had to wait until the end of the meeting to find out. Then we put all of our name tags into a hat, and as we drew out two at a time, we had to arm wrestle each other, and the winner got to hear where he was headed and who his companion would be... so it was all very fun, and I was the last to do the wrestling, which I won, and found out that I would be staying in Salado (which is in actuality most likely), and that my companion would be an E. Markus… and then a free for all wrestling match occurred as we were told it was all made up and that we wouldn´t be finding out until tonight, because the President is still working on them. But we all had a good laugh, and then we went and played a match of futbol. So it won´t be until next week that I get to tell you where I´m headed and who my new companion is. Sorry. I´m still with E. Nilsen until Wednesday morning. This first change went so fast, and people always say the first change goes the slowest, so I´m afraid to find out how fast the mission passes me by.
As for my card, its just because it’s a Mastercard… apparently they don´t work down here. It even didn´t work in the ATM at the HSBC. I could have gotten money from there though, but I needed my actual passport, and the have that in the safe at the office, and I just carry around a photocopy. So that would be a bit of a hassle to go through. But I was wondering if there is a way you could get a visa card for my account and get that sent down here like you did my other card… that would be awesome, and the best way to take care of the problem for the rest of my mission rather than having to try and obtain my passport and go into Asuncion every time I want to take out money.
Today I got the pictures that Cole drew of his hermit crab, so I understood what you were talking about when you mentioned the pet store in your letter. Haha I remember our hermit crab days when we were younger. I hope he´s having fun with them. I also got my package today… I haven´t opened it yet but it doesn´t appear tampered with, but man it sure sucks to have to lug it around all day. Plus I got my shoes and clothes for playing soccer, and I have to go get my groceries after this… I just love P-days.
We had an awesome opportunity this week though. The President of this part of South America, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina, came and spent a week here. He had a Fireside for investigators and recent converts, and then we had a Zone Conference with him. They were both just spectacular. You can see him in the Presidency chart in the May Ensign, Elder Robbins. It was some great stuff, and he explained things so clearly and simply.
Anyways, a little more about Paraguay to wrap up my letter. Primero, Dad would be going crazy here haha, its very rare to see a mouth with all their teeth… and even rarer to not have their teeth decaying. Its quite disgusting… the Lord definitely helps me out, because at any other time I would probably be really queezy, but it doesn´t really bother me right now. Also, the Paraguayans like to play a lot of volleyball… but its more of a “slapball.” They just set the ball and then slap at it… they don´t play an actual game of how its supposed to be played. Its pretty funny to watch. They also like to play a lot of futbol, but in this they´re actually good. But most of the time in the evenings, everyone is out in their local soccer or volleyball field or sandpatch, drinking and playing and yeah, that’s Paraguay.
Anyways, I´m gonna use up the rest of the time I have and try and get some pictures over this stupid machine. Love you all,
E. Dennis
Well, my first change is just about over. But… I can´t tell you the details of the transfers cause, well, we don´t have them yet. But wow, our Zone Leaders played a GREAT trick on us this morning in District Meeting. Of course everyone was all excited to hear about where people are headed and who´ll be their comps and all that, and we had to wait until the end of the meeting to find out. Then we put all of our name tags into a hat, and as we drew out two at a time, we had to arm wrestle each other, and the winner got to hear where he was headed and who his companion would be... so it was all very fun, and I was the last to do the wrestling, which I won, and found out that I would be staying in Salado (which is in actuality most likely), and that my companion would be an E. Markus… and then a free for all wrestling match occurred as we were told it was all made up and that we wouldn´t be finding out until tonight, because the President is still working on them. But we all had a good laugh, and then we went and played a match of futbol. So it won´t be until next week that I get to tell you where I´m headed and who my new companion is. Sorry. I´m still with E. Nilsen until Wednesday morning. This first change went so fast, and people always say the first change goes the slowest, so I´m afraid to find out how fast the mission passes me by.
As for my card, its just because it’s a Mastercard… apparently they don´t work down here. It even didn´t work in the ATM at the HSBC. I could have gotten money from there though, but I needed my actual passport, and the have that in the safe at the office, and I just carry around a photocopy. So that would be a bit of a hassle to go through. But I was wondering if there is a way you could get a visa card for my account and get that sent down here like you did my other card… that would be awesome, and the best way to take care of the problem for the rest of my mission rather than having to try and obtain my passport and go into Asuncion every time I want to take out money.
Today I got the pictures that Cole drew of his hermit crab, so I understood what you were talking about when you mentioned the pet store in your letter. Haha I remember our hermit crab days when we were younger. I hope he´s having fun with them. I also got my package today… I haven´t opened it yet but it doesn´t appear tampered with, but man it sure sucks to have to lug it around all day. Plus I got my shoes and clothes for playing soccer, and I have to go get my groceries after this… I just love P-days.
We had an awesome opportunity this week though. The President of this part of South America, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina, came and spent a week here. He had a Fireside for investigators and recent converts, and then we had a Zone Conference with him. They were both just spectacular. You can see him in the Presidency chart in the May Ensign, Elder Robbins. It was some great stuff, and he explained things so clearly and simply.
Anyways, a little more about Paraguay to wrap up my letter. Primero, Dad would be going crazy here haha, its very rare to see a mouth with all their teeth… and even rarer to not have their teeth decaying. Its quite disgusting… the Lord definitely helps me out, because at any other time I would probably be really queezy, but it doesn´t really bother me right now. Also, the Paraguayans like to play a lot of volleyball… but its more of a “slapball.” They just set the ball and then slap at it… they don´t play an actual game of how its supposed to be played. Its pretty funny to watch. They also like to play a lot of futbol, but in this they´re actually good. But most of the time in the evenings, everyone is out in their local soccer or volleyball field or sandpatch, drinking and playing and yeah, that’s Paraguay.
Anyways, I´m gonna use up the rest of the time I have and try and get some pictures over this stupid machine. Love you all,
E. Dennis
Monday, May 19, 2008
May 19, 2008
Dear familia y amigos,
Well I’ve passed my one month point here in Paraguay, which is just absolutely crazy. It definitely still feels like I just got here yesterday, despite the fact that I’m getting used to the wierd surroundings and culture. Things are going pretty good, and the work is moving along quite well, the Lord blessed us tremendously this week. But first I have a problem that needs solved quickly…
My card doesn’t work. We tried 3 different ATMs today. The first one, the nicest, told me I had no money in my account, and then the other two just said that they didn’t take it there. The reason for that is probably because its mastercard, I guess there’s big problems with that down here, Visa is apparently the way to go. But another thing that some of the Elders who are more experienced with this say that they don’t think the card is activated. I know you said you went in there and activated it with the Branch Manager, so I don’t know what the deal is. There’s a HSBC close to the temple in Asunción though, and this Thursday we have a Zone Conference down there, so we’re going to go and see if they can’t help me out or something. But if you could try and find out what’s going on with that as well, it would help a bunch if I could get to my money.
On to happier things: We had a sweet Family Home Evening with one of the members, Amada, and we made impanadas and tortillas, and they were just amazing. I love impanadas, they’re so good. And then tortillas are like the funnel cake dough without the sugar topped on it, also way good. I got plenty of pictures, and I was going to try and send them home but once again we’re using the place that doesn’t have USB drives, so no luck this week. We kind of just walk along the street and the first internet place we come to that has open computers is where we go.
In my personal study, I finished the Gospels in the New Testiment on Saturday, so that was exciting. We get an hour of personal study everyday, and so this is what I do. I start out with a chapter from the Book of Mormon, where I go into semi in depth study and take notes and stuff, because I’ve already read through it once on my mission so far, and now I’m going through again much more slowly. Right now I’m at the very end of 2 Nephi. Alter I do that, right now we’re reading through Preach My Gospel to finish it by this Thursday—the reason we’re going down to Asunción is for the visit of a 70 Area Authority, and we have to have it completely read by then. So I have my little timeline of what I need to read each day and I just follow that. Then I use the rest of the time, usually about half an hour or so, and just read from the New Testiment. I’m just reading through pretty fast right now, just to get through it. After the NT, I’ll probable move to the Old Testament, and so on with the other books of scripture. And then after I get it all done, I plan to do it all again in Spanish. I try to read a chapter a day from the Book of Mormon in Spanish, but mostly just to practice pronunciation. Thanks for the scripture sugestión, its an awesome one, they love to use it in district meetings and zone conferences alot.
Ok. Now let me just say that Guarani just kicks our trash. It is such a HUGE barrier when it comes to teaching people. Most people are pretty good with being able to understand and communicate at least in Spanish, but 2 of the families we’re teaching right now don’t understand or speak hardly any spanish whatsoever… and wow is it tough. We’re doing really good right now working with the members, and its so much better when members become involved. We’re seeing so much more success this week because of it. Also let me just say right now that if any words are in spanish or just funny, its because this stupid program is trying to correct everything I say. I’m catching most of it, but if I miss anything, just letting you know.
Haley, ¡Feliz Cumpleaños! I hope you have fun, and how does it feel to be old? You’re officially an adult, and how I wish I were just a little kid again haha. Oh well, at least you’re not entering the 20s yet, thats just weird. In another month I won’t start my age with a 1 anymore. Haha And mom, as for her computer, the 1 or 2 gigs is for the RAM, not the hard drive, and I wouldn’t think its really worth it to put in an extra gig, the one will be just fine, thats what I have.
Its hot down here, and really humid. Its probably going to rain tomorrow, but it hasn’t rained in almost 2 weeks now, so I guess its alright. Also I need one last favor from Haley. Haley, I need Katelyn’s Idaho address. So go onto Facebook today and tell her to email me her address here so that I can write her, cause it won’t be until mid June that my letter would get there and I’m pretty sure she won’t still be at school. And tell her pronto. Thanks a bunch hermana!
Alright, thats about all I got folks. I’m really tan…on my foresarms and face to halfway down my neck…so thats exciting. Oh and I’m beefing up my physique, with my daily excersizes… it feels good to be getting muscules back. I also got my scripture cases ordered today, so I’m stoked for those. I got one for my BofM and one for my Bible. The Bof M has the Picture of the vision of the Tree of Life on the front, and the one of Christ descending into the Americas on the back. The Bible has a Picture of Christ as a sheperd by Simon Dewey (don’t know how else to describe it) on the front, and then the Picture, also by Dewey, of Christ at the well with the Samaritan woman on the back. So those are going to be awesome. I’ll take pictures.
Yeah. Um. I love you all. And I can’t think of anything else.
Elder Dennis
Well I’ve passed my one month point here in Paraguay, which is just absolutely crazy. It definitely still feels like I just got here yesterday, despite the fact that I’m getting used to the wierd surroundings and culture. Things are going pretty good, and the work is moving along quite well, the Lord blessed us tremendously this week. But first I have a problem that needs solved quickly…
My card doesn’t work. We tried 3 different ATMs today. The first one, the nicest, told me I had no money in my account, and then the other two just said that they didn’t take it there. The reason for that is probably because its mastercard, I guess there’s big problems with that down here, Visa is apparently the way to go. But another thing that some of the Elders who are more experienced with this say that they don’t think the card is activated. I know you said you went in there and activated it with the Branch Manager, so I don’t know what the deal is. There’s a HSBC close to the temple in Asunción though, and this Thursday we have a Zone Conference down there, so we’re going to go and see if they can’t help me out or something. But if you could try and find out what’s going on with that as well, it would help a bunch if I could get to my money.
On to happier things: We had a sweet Family Home Evening with one of the members, Amada, and we made impanadas and tortillas, and they were just amazing. I love impanadas, they’re so good. And then tortillas are like the funnel cake dough without the sugar topped on it, also way good. I got plenty of pictures, and I was going to try and send them home but once again we’re using the place that doesn’t have USB drives, so no luck this week. We kind of just walk along the street and the first internet place we come to that has open computers is where we go.
In my personal study, I finished the Gospels in the New Testiment on Saturday, so that was exciting. We get an hour of personal study everyday, and so this is what I do. I start out with a chapter from the Book of Mormon, where I go into semi in depth study and take notes and stuff, because I’ve already read through it once on my mission so far, and now I’m going through again much more slowly. Right now I’m at the very end of 2 Nephi. Alter I do that, right now we’re reading through Preach My Gospel to finish it by this Thursday—the reason we’re going down to Asunción is for the visit of a 70 Area Authority, and we have to have it completely read by then. So I have my little timeline of what I need to read each day and I just follow that. Then I use the rest of the time, usually about half an hour or so, and just read from the New Testiment. I’m just reading through pretty fast right now, just to get through it. After the NT, I’ll probable move to the Old Testament, and so on with the other books of scripture. And then after I get it all done, I plan to do it all again in Spanish. I try to read a chapter a day from the Book of Mormon in Spanish, but mostly just to practice pronunciation. Thanks for the scripture sugestión, its an awesome one, they love to use it in district meetings and zone conferences alot.
Ok. Now let me just say that Guarani just kicks our trash. It is such a HUGE barrier when it comes to teaching people. Most people are pretty good with being able to understand and communicate at least in Spanish, but 2 of the families we’re teaching right now don’t understand or speak hardly any spanish whatsoever… and wow is it tough. We’re doing really good right now working with the members, and its so much better when members become involved. We’re seeing so much more success this week because of it. Also let me just say right now that if any words are in spanish or just funny, its because this stupid program is trying to correct everything I say. I’m catching most of it, but if I miss anything, just letting you know.
Haley, ¡Feliz Cumpleaños! I hope you have fun, and how does it feel to be old? You’re officially an adult, and how I wish I were just a little kid again haha. Oh well, at least you’re not entering the 20s yet, thats just weird. In another month I won’t start my age with a 1 anymore. Haha And mom, as for her computer, the 1 or 2 gigs is for the RAM, not the hard drive, and I wouldn’t think its really worth it to put in an extra gig, the one will be just fine, thats what I have.
Its hot down here, and really humid. Its probably going to rain tomorrow, but it hasn’t rained in almost 2 weeks now, so I guess its alright. Also I need one last favor from Haley. Haley, I need Katelyn’s Idaho address. So go onto Facebook today and tell her to email me her address here so that I can write her, cause it won’t be until mid June that my letter would get there and I’m pretty sure she won’t still be at school. And tell her pronto. Thanks a bunch hermana!
Alright, thats about all I got folks. I’m really tan…on my foresarms and face to halfway down my neck…so thats exciting. Oh and I’m beefing up my physique, with my daily excersizes… it feels good to be getting muscules back. I also got my scripture cases ordered today, so I’m stoked for those. I got one for my BofM and one for my Bible. The Bof M has the Picture of the vision of the Tree of Life on the front, and the one of Christ descending into the Americas on the back. The Bible has a Picture of Christ as a sheperd by Simon Dewey (don’t know how else to describe it) on the front, and then the Picture, also by Dewey, of Christ at the well with the Samaritan woman on the back. So those are going to be awesome. I’ll take pictures.
Yeah. Um. I love you all. And I can’t think of anything else.
Elder Dennis
Monday, May 12, 2008
May 12, 2008
Hello once again.
I’m glad we were able to get through last night, it was good to talk to everyone. Things are going well here in Paraguay, and I’m starting to get used to the culture and getting around and etc. The computer I’m using today doesn’t have any USB ports, so there’s no trying to send home pictures today, but what will most likely end up happening is that next week or in 2-3 weeks I’ll probably put them all on a CD and send it home so you can see them. I’m starting to settle in, so it’s harder to come up with things to write about now haha.
First of all, we had our first baptism last Thursday night, and that was awesome. I got to baptize him, Valeriano, so that was sweet. Getting into the water was a lot of fun though… they don’t have heated water in Paraguay. So I just had to plunge in and not think about it, to set the example for Valeriano. It was an awesome experience though, I think I felt the spirit during that than I have at any other point in my life, it was truly amazing. We took pictures (of course) so one day you’ll get to see them.
Um, I guess I’ll tell you a little bit about where Salado is, and maybe you can find it on your Google Earth. We’re between the two main cities of Limpio, to the north, and Luque, to the south. Our chapel is in Maraque, which is a little closer to Luque, while Salado is a little closer to Limpio. If you follow the main North-South road that runs down from Limpio, you’ll see our house. We live right on that principle route, about a 100 yards up from Ruta Salado, which branches off of the principle route, an is a pretty big road, though its of the stone nature which I talked about last time, and it’s a little ways passed the concha Guarani, which is on the left side of the road as you follow it Southward. And then our area is cupped by the principle route and the ruta Salado, in a little square/oval thing. So yeah, that my area. We go down to Luque on P-Days for shopping, and go into Limpio for District meeting and other ward meetings/baptisms during the week. So yeah, good luck trying to find it haha.
The mentioning of our district meetings brings me to the next thing I wanted to say. This week we don’t have our district meeting until tomorrow, because the Zone leaders had a leadership training meeting down at the mission home in Asuncion today. So I won’t know until tomorrow if your package has arrived yet or not. I hope it does though, me and Bullcreek were talking today, cause we still got together and played some futbol, about how much we miss just some good, made of sugar candy. All they have here are pastry like sweets, and its killing me. I need some good airheads or skittles or something, I’m dying here haha.
As for the last item of business, I was wondering if you could pop just 25 extra bucks in there as well, because I’m going to get some nice leather cases made for my Spanish scriptures. Yeah, 25-30 dollars and you get personalized, handmade leather scripture cases with engraved pictures on front and back… its so sweet. But other than that, what you were thinking of giving me is wonderful. And that will probably just about do it for quite awhile, if not the rest of my mission. Thank you so much mommy. I love you lots. Sorry I made you scared yesterday when you couldn’t get through. Oh and don’t worry, E. Nilsen had plenty of time to talk to his family as well. I hope all continues to go well. Tell Haley to have fun at prom and Robyn to enjoy the new school. And tell Cole to not play TOO many videojuegos.
Love you all,
Elder Dennis
I’m glad we were able to get through last night, it was good to talk to everyone. Things are going well here in Paraguay, and I’m starting to get used to the culture and getting around and etc. The computer I’m using today doesn’t have any USB ports, so there’s no trying to send home pictures today, but what will most likely end up happening is that next week or in 2-3 weeks I’ll probably put them all on a CD and send it home so you can see them. I’m starting to settle in, so it’s harder to come up with things to write about now haha.
First of all, we had our first baptism last Thursday night, and that was awesome. I got to baptize him, Valeriano, so that was sweet. Getting into the water was a lot of fun though… they don’t have heated water in Paraguay. So I just had to plunge in and not think about it, to set the example for Valeriano. It was an awesome experience though, I think I felt the spirit during that than I have at any other point in my life, it was truly amazing. We took pictures (of course) so one day you’ll get to see them.
Um, I guess I’ll tell you a little bit about where Salado is, and maybe you can find it on your Google Earth. We’re between the two main cities of Limpio, to the north, and Luque, to the south. Our chapel is in Maraque, which is a little closer to Luque, while Salado is a little closer to Limpio. If you follow the main North-South road that runs down from Limpio, you’ll see our house. We live right on that principle route, about a 100 yards up from Ruta Salado, which branches off of the principle route, an is a pretty big road, though its of the stone nature which I talked about last time, and it’s a little ways passed the concha Guarani, which is on the left side of the road as you follow it Southward. And then our area is cupped by the principle route and the ruta Salado, in a little square/oval thing. So yeah, that my area. We go down to Luque on P-Days for shopping, and go into Limpio for District meeting and other ward meetings/baptisms during the week. So yeah, good luck trying to find it haha.
The mentioning of our district meetings brings me to the next thing I wanted to say. This week we don’t have our district meeting until tomorrow, because the Zone leaders had a leadership training meeting down at the mission home in Asuncion today. So I won’t know until tomorrow if your package has arrived yet or not. I hope it does though, me and Bullcreek were talking today, cause we still got together and played some futbol, about how much we miss just some good, made of sugar candy. All they have here are pastry like sweets, and its killing me. I need some good airheads or skittles or something, I’m dying here haha.
As for the last item of business, I was wondering if you could pop just 25 extra bucks in there as well, because I’m going to get some nice leather cases made for my Spanish scriptures. Yeah, 25-30 dollars and you get personalized, handmade leather scripture cases with engraved pictures on front and back… its so sweet. But other than that, what you were thinking of giving me is wonderful. And that will probably just about do it for quite awhile, if not the rest of my mission. Thank you so much mommy. I love you lots. Sorry I made you scared yesterday when you couldn’t get through. Oh and don’t worry, E. Nilsen had plenty of time to talk to his family as well. I hope all continues to go well. Tell Haley to have fun at prom and Robyn to enjoy the new school. And tell Cole to not play TOO many videojuegos.
Love you all,
Elder Dennis
Monday, May 5, 2008
May 5, 2008
* Just a quick editorial note from Tracie -
He asked us to put some birthday $ into his account so he can buy a guitar - we knew he couldn't go 2 years without one! That's what the first paragraph is all about -
Hello again,
Well first off, its SaladO, not a. Haha, and secondly, the $ is up to you. I was thinking somewhere about $200-250 or so. And the reason I wanted to pick one up now is cause there´s an Elder here who´s looking to sell his and get a better one, but I found out this past week he´s wanting $300, and that was a little more than I was looking to spend, so I don´t think I´m going to do that anyway. But alot of Elders have them around here... just no one who´s living with me, go figure haha.
Alright, now for the exciting stuff for you: the call. Actually, I´m not going to need a phone card, because you´re actually going to be calling me. We´ll be taking the call from a member´s house, one of the few with a land line down here, and its alot easier than going to the church and fighting 10 other Elders for the phone. Call at about 6:15pm on Sunday. I´ll be there waiting, and we get an hour to chat. Make sure you call at 6:15 though, because we have to make sure we give enough time for E. Nilsen´s parents to call after our hour.
Okay, now to basically retype my letter from last week. haha. Okay, a little about Paraguay. FIrst off, about the roads. There´s three types of roads here. The 1st kind is actually paved, and these are the main arteries of the country, and in the bigger cities. The second type is this rock road thing, where its larger rocks are hand laid with sand, and they´re the roads that branch off the Ruto Principal (the paved road). And then thirdly, there´s dirt. But that brings me to the dirt. The dirt is just red sand and clay... at times it just feels like I´m walking along the beach, its awful. And then it decides to rain, and the entire landscape just turns into a mudpit, and you get home at night and your pants and shoes are just caked... okay, not caked, but there´s just mud all over them. I love it here though, it really is beautiful, and when its not raining, which isn´t too often so far, only about once a week, its just clear skies and palm trees and amazing fruit that is absolutely delicious. Although last week was FREEZING for some reason. It rained a little bit, but it was just cold. We were huddling in our blankets at night and in the morning in the apartment, and it made me really wish that I hadn´t sent my other sweaters home. But its all good, its warmed up again, and its about perfect right now.
Now for the buses, or colectivos. These things are CRAZY! The taxi drivers in NYC got nothing on these guys. First thing, they barely come to a stop, you just have to kind of hop on and off as they slow down. Second, the drivers are crazy multi-tasking. They take your money, dish out change, drive stick shift, watch for people signaling to get picked up, and for people signaling to get off, and when no one is getting on and they´re done dishing out change, they count the money they have! Its so fun to ride! haha I love em.
The ward here is so different. The kids just get up and run around during Sacrament meeting, its so funny. We have a new bishop, and he´s a somewhat recently returned missionary in his mid 20s, and he´s really trying to bring around some orginization into the church, which it desperately needs, and I think he´s doing a great job so far. And as for you question from last week, retention here is horrible. We try so hard to get these people into church, and for some reason they just don´t. And for the majority, its not like they´re doing anything bad really, they´re just not going to church. I don´t know what the deal is, Elder Nilsen and I are visiting some of them nearly everyday, and they say they´re going to church, and then they just don´t show up, and we can´t go round them up in the morning, because we´re busy rounding up our investigators. But some happier news, this week we have scheduled my first baptism! And this guy is just calidad, "quality", as they say here. Valeriano (pronounced Val-lay-dee-ano... they prounounce the r like aq d) got offered a job (he´s unemployed at the moment) to go work in Argentina, but he would have had to leave today, and he actually turned it down, because he wants to be baptized. He also quit smoking, going from a pack a day to none in just 4 days. So we´re pretty excited.
I´m trying to send pictures, but its not working very well... So if it gets through, you should be able to see. But anyways, my first thing of service was cutting down the growth along one of the "roads" or dirt paths near a members house that was getting kind of dangerous, with MACHETES! Wahahaha. It was awesome, though it definitely gave me some of the worst blisters of my life. And then this past Saturday we did a service activity with the youth that was just divisions, and we went and passed out invitations to an open house for a new chapel for a couple hours. That was pretty cool too. Oh, and as for my camera, don´t worry about that. 1, I don´t carry it with me ever, and second, I keep the memory card seperate so that if it is stolen for whatever reason, I´ll still have all the pictures. And the house is very safe, its an apartment above a store along the ruta principal thats gated, and trust me, there´s no getting in. I left the key in the house, and we came back for lunch, and we were doing all we could, and we weren´t able to get in.
As for the letters, I got them all today. I only get letters once a week at District meeting, and I got my card, so activate that as soon as you can. So yeah, there´s really no point to Dear Elder anymore, because I get them in the same amount of time as any other letter. And I also had my pants washed for the first time, and they came out fine. I was a little worried, so it was a big relief to see that. Anyways, all is awesome, I love it here, I´ll probably have an accent when I talk, and I gotta go.
Love you all,
E. Dennis
He asked us to put some birthday $ into his account so he can buy a guitar - we knew he couldn't go 2 years without one! That's what the first paragraph is all about -
Hello again,
Well first off, its SaladO, not a. Haha, and secondly, the $ is up to you. I was thinking somewhere about $200-250 or so. And the reason I wanted to pick one up now is cause there´s an Elder here who´s looking to sell his and get a better one, but I found out this past week he´s wanting $300, and that was a little more than I was looking to spend, so I don´t think I´m going to do that anyway. But alot of Elders have them around here... just no one who´s living with me, go figure haha.
Alright, now for the exciting stuff for you: the call. Actually, I´m not going to need a phone card, because you´re actually going to be calling me. We´ll be taking the call from a member´s house, one of the few with a land line down here, and its alot easier than going to the church and fighting 10 other Elders for the phone. Call at about 6:15pm on Sunday. I´ll be there waiting, and we get an hour to chat. Make sure you call at 6:15 though, because we have to make sure we give enough time for E. Nilsen´s parents to call after our hour.
Okay, now to basically retype my letter from last week. haha. Okay, a little about Paraguay. FIrst off, about the roads. There´s three types of roads here. The 1st kind is actually paved, and these are the main arteries of the country, and in the bigger cities. The second type is this rock road thing, where its larger rocks are hand laid with sand, and they´re the roads that branch off the Ruto Principal (the paved road). And then thirdly, there´s dirt. But that brings me to the dirt. The dirt is just red sand and clay... at times it just feels like I´m walking along the beach, its awful. And then it decides to rain, and the entire landscape just turns into a mudpit, and you get home at night and your pants and shoes are just caked... okay, not caked, but there´s just mud all over them. I love it here though, it really is beautiful, and when its not raining, which isn´t too often so far, only about once a week, its just clear skies and palm trees and amazing fruit that is absolutely delicious. Although last week was FREEZING for some reason. It rained a little bit, but it was just cold. We were huddling in our blankets at night and in the morning in the apartment, and it made me really wish that I hadn´t sent my other sweaters home. But its all good, its warmed up again, and its about perfect right now.
Now for the buses, or colectivos. These things are CRAZY! The taxi drivers in NYC got nothing on these guys. First thing, they barely come to a stop, you just have to kind of hop on and off as they slow down. Second, the drivers are crazy multi-tasking. They take your money, dish out change, drive stick shift, watch for people signaling to get picked up, and for people signaling to get off, and when no one is getting on and they´re done dishing out change, they count the money they have! Its so fun to ride! haha I love em.
The ward here is so different. The kids just get up and run around during Sacrament meeting, its so funny. We have a new bishop, and he´s a somewhat recently returned missionary in his mid 20s, and he´s really trying to bring around some orginization into the church, which it desperately needs, and I think he´s doing a great job so far. And as for you question from last week, retention here is horrible. We try so hard to get these people into church, and for some reason they just don´t. And for the majority, its not like they´re doing anything bad really, they´re just not going to church. I don´t know what the deal is, Elder Nilsen and I are visiting some of them nearly everyday, and they say they´re going to church, and then they just don´t show up, and we can´t go round them up in the morning, because we´re busy rounding up our investigators. But some happier news, this week we have scheduled my first baptism! And this guy is just calidad, "quality", as they say here. Valeriano (pronounced Val-lay-dee-ano... they prounounce the r like aq d) got offered a job (he´s unemployed at the moment) to go work in Argentina, but he would have had to leave today, and he actually turned it down, because he wants to be baptized. He also quit smoking, going from a pack a day to none in just 4 days. So we´re pretty excited.
I´m trying to send pictures, but its not working very well... So if it gets through, you should be able to see. But anyways, my first thing of service was cutting down the growth along one of the "roads" or dirt paths near a members house that was getting kind of dangerous, with MACHETES! Wahahaha. It was awesome, though it definitely gave me some of the worst blisters of my life. And then this past Saturday we did a service activity with the youth that was just divisions, and we went and passed out invitations to an open house for a new chapel for a couple hours. That was pretty cool too. Oh, and as for my camera, don´t worry about that. 1, I don´t carry it with me ever, and second, I keep the memory card seperate so that if it is stolen for whatever reason, I´ll still have all the pictures. And the house is very safe, its an apartment above a store along the ruta principal thats gated, and trust me, there´s no getting in. I left the key in the house, and we came back for lunch, and we were doing all we could, and we weren´t able to get in.
As for the letters, I got them all today. I only get letters once a week at District meeting, and I got my card, so activate that as soon as you can. So yeah, there´s really no point to Dear Elder anymore, because I get them in the same amount of time as any other letter. And I also had my pants washed for the first time, and they came out fine. I was a little worried, so it was a big relief to see that. Anyways, all is awesome, I love it here, I´ll probably have an accent when I talk, and I gotta go.
Love you all,
E. Dennis
Monday, April 28, 2008
April 28, 2008
Well i typed up a nice letter but lost it because of wonderful ldsmail. So you´ll get another one next week recovering it. SOrry. THings are going good, but I have to go. Lvoe you all, E. Dennis
Monday, April 21, 2008
April 21, 2008
Hola from Paraguay!
So I´ve had one week in a foreign country, and I´m still alive...
Actually its awesome here, I wouldn´t want to be anywhere else. Okay, so about the mission. The first day we just met the President, Pres Wade, and his wife, who are both just awesome, and we got our credit cards for taking out money each month, and filled out other paperwork and stuff, and then we got the chance to visit the temple, which is just gorgeous. Its only a tiny one, but it has to be the second most beautiful temple after San Diego. Then we spent the night in the mission office, where the have a tiny room stuffed with 10 beds... that was interesting. But then the next day we had a big meeting and met all the trainers and then did a little presentation ceremony to our trainers. My companion is Elder Nilsen, from Idaho. He´s awesome, and I´m learning alot. We´re opening up an area, called Salado ("Salted"). Its pretty close to Asunión, and its an awesome area. Its really hard though, because its a new area, so we didn´t have any investigators or know any of the members when we got there on Wednesday. But we´ve been working very hard, in rain and sun and lots of humidity, and we got a couple to church on Sunday, Eusevio and Hemelinda, and Sunday night we got 3 fechas, or baptismal dates; the couple and a brother of a member, Valediano, who is absolutely golden. (Let me just say that the hardest part of all of this is understanding the names... I rely on my companion for that). I´ll give you some of the numbers to show how hard we´re working: 8 Lessons with a member present, 24 other lessons, 23 references received and contacted, 22 new investigators with 10 men and 7 families, 115 lessons taught to recent converts or menos activos (inactive members), and 135 contacts, which is introducing ourselves and inviting people to church (always) or to learn more... in just 4.5 days of working. ¡Que calidad!
There are extremes in our area. Some people live in really nice houses (for Paraguay), and others live in little twig and tarp shacks... its so sad to meet these people who have spent their entire lives of 60 or 70 years in such poverty, and even more heartbreaking is seeing the cutest little kids in the entire world who will be doing that. Even the nicer houses, the majority of them just have dirt floors. The people are awesome though, I love them so much. I can actually follow the conversations now... or at least the gyst of them. Communicating is getting easier, and I´ve made so much progress in just the 5 days I´ve been out among the people. I´m getting used to clapping houses... and everyone is so friendly, they all come out and shake your hand and talk to you. When you pass someone in the street, you say Adios, and the most common greeting is ¿Que tal? I´m also learning a very little of Guaraní right now... in the poor areas they hardly understand spanish, but fortunately my companion has learned enough to communicate effectively with them.
Everything is so cheap here. For about US $2, you can eat a full meal and be stuffed when you´re done. And oh would you be proud of me if you saw what I´m eating. I actually ate a hamburger with everything on it. It wasn´t bad I must say. But so far everything I´ve had to eat is really good... except for yesterday for lunch. We went back to the house and we didn´t have any food, because we just got there, and we live with 2 other Elders, Elder Vasquez, from Chile, and Elder Moreira from Uraguay. They´re both absolutely awesome, Vasquez is trying to learn english, so we help eachother out, I love those guys. But anyways, so we were looking for food, and we ended up with spaghetti, but we didn´t have sauce, so I used peanut butter and Nilsen used hot suace... I don´t know who got the worse end there... I now know why spaghetti and peanut butter hasn´t taken off. But yeah, if somethings put in front of me, I just put it down, and most of it has been really good. And oh my word, the fruit is SPECTACULAR! So ha!
Today was awesome, we went in to Limpio, our Zone headquarters, and had our District/Zone meeting, of which Elder Bullcreek also belongs, so it was awesome to see a familiar face. And then we all played soccer, or futból, and that was just awesome. There was a little less than half of us who were american, and the South Americans are just awesome at it. I did pretty good too, but I have to get used to it again, I haven´t played since I was like 11. But that was fun. And now we´re in Luque, on the other side of our area, to do our shopping and get money for me, and send you peeps an email.
I don´t really know what else to say... oh yeah, Nicole getting married--Crazy! Oh yeah, if you ever need to send a package, put stickers of the Virgin Maria, they don´t pick through it, they´re very supersticious I hear, so yeah. It might be sacreligious, but it works. And sorry, I forgot to bring my camera with me, so I don´t have any pictures to send right now, but perhaps next week. I won´t have any pictures of my area, cause its kind of deangerous to carry around nice things here, they like to take them, but I have a few of the apartment and the temple and stuff. The buses here are awesome, they just cruise along, and you wave them down like a taxi, and then you hop on, and then when you get off, you just have to jump, cause they don´t usually come to a full stop haha. But I love it here, the gospel is true, and I love you all.
Yours,
Elder Dennis
So I´ve had one week in a foreign country, and I´m still alive...
Actually its awesome here, I wouldn´t want to be anywhere else. Okay, so about the mission. The first day we just met the President, Pres Wade, and his wife, who are both just awesome, and we got our credit cards for taking out money each month, and filled out other paperwork and stuff, and then we got the chance to visit the temple, which is just gorgeous. Its only a tiny one, but it has to be the second most beautiful temple after San Diego. Then we spent the night in the mission office, where the have a tiny room stuffed with 10 beds... that was interesting. But then the next day we had a big meeting and met all the trainers and then did a little presentation ceremony to our trainers. My companion is Elder Nilsen, from Idaho. He´s awesome, and I´m learning alot. We´re opening up an area, called Salado ("Salted"). Its pretty close to Asunión, and its an awesome area. Its really hard though, because its a new area, so we didn´t have any investigators or know any of the members when we got there on Wednesday. But we´ve been working very hard, in rain and sun and lots of humidity, and we got a couple to church on Sunday, Eusevio and Hemelinda, and Sunday night we got 3 fechas, or baptismal dates; the couple and a brother of a member, Valediano, who is absolutely golden. (Let me just say that the hardest part of all of this is understanding the names... I rely on my companion for that). I´ll give you some of the numbers to show how hard we´re working: 8 Lessons with a member present, 24 other lessons, 23 references received and contacted, 22 new investigators with 10 men and 7 families, 115 lessons taught to recent converts or menos activos (inactive members), and 135 contacts, which is introducing ourselves and inviting people to church (always) or to learn more... in just 4.5 days of working. ¡Que calidad!
There are extremes in our area. Some people live in really nice houses (for Paraguay), and others live in little twig and tarp shacks... its so sad to meet these people who have spent their entire lives of 60 or 70 years in such poverty, and even more heartbreaking is seeing the cutest little kids in the entire world who will be doing that. Even the nicer houses, the majority of them just have dirt floors. The people are awesome though, I love them so much. I can actually follow the conversations now... or at least the gyst of them. Communicating is getting easier, and I´ve made so much progress in just the 5 days I´ve been out among the people. I´m getting used to clapping houses... and everyone is so friendly, they all come out and shake your hand and talk to you. When you pass someone in the street, you say Adios, and the most common greeting is ¿Que tal? I´m also learning a very little of Guaraní right now... in the poor areas they hardly understand spanish, but fortunately my companion has learned enough to communicate effectively with them.
Everything is so cheap here. For about US $2, you can eat a full meal and be stuffed when you´re done. And oh would you be proud of me if you saw what I´m eating. I actually ate a hamburger with everything on it. It wasn´t bad I must say. But so far everything I´ve had to eat is really good... except for yesterday for lunch. We went back to the house and we didn´t have any food, because we just got there, and we live with 2 other Elders, Elder Vasquez, from Chile, and Elder Moreira from Uraguay. They´re both absolutely awesome, Vasquez is trying to learn english, so we help eachother out, I love those guys. But anyways, so we were looking for food, and we ended up with spaghetti, but we didn´t have sauce, so I used peanut butter and Nilsen used hot suace... I don´t know who got the worse end there... I now know why spaghetti and peanut butter hasn´t taken off. But yeah, if somethings put in front of me, I just put it down, and most of it has been really good. And oh my word, the fruit is SPECTACULAR! So ha!
Today was awesome, we went in to Limpio, our Zone headquarters, and had our District/Zone meeting, of which Elder Bullcreek also belongs, so it was awesome to see a familiar face. And then we all played soccer, or futból, and that was just awesome. There was a little less than half of us who were american, and the South Americans are just awesome at it. I did pretty good too, but I have to get used to it again, I haven´t played since I was like 11. But that was fun. And now we´re in Luque, on the other side of our area, to do our shopping and get money for me, and send you peeps an email.
I don´t really know what else to say... oh yeah, Nicole getting married--Crazy! Oh yeah, if you ever need to send a package, put stickers of the Virgin Maria, they don´t pick through it, they´re very supersticious I hear, so yeah. It might be sacreligious, but it works. And sorry, I forgot to bring my camera with me, so I don´t have any pictures to send right now, but perhaps next week. I won´t have any pictures of my area, cause its kind of deangerous to carry around nice things here, they like to take them, but I have a few of the apartment and the temple and stuff. The buses here are awesome, they just cruise along, and you wave them down like a taxi, and then you hop on, and then when you get off, you just have to jump, cause they don´t usually come to a full stop haha. But I love it here, the gospel is true, and I love you all.
Yours,
Elder Dennis
A Message from the Mission President - 4/15/08
Dear Parents,
President Wade and I wanted to write and let you know that your missionary arrived safely. The flight was on time and everyone's luggage arrived. We went directly to the mission home and had a nice lunch. We had a wonderful testimony meeting by the temple. Attached is a picture that was taken outside the temple. It has been a great day.
We want to express our appreciation to you for the love and support of your missionary. Thank you for your great faith.
Love,
President and Sister Wade
President Wade and I wanted to write and let you know that your missionary arrived safely. The flight was on time and everyone's luggage arrived. We went directly to the mission home and had a nice lunch. We had a wonderful testimony meeting by the temple. Attached is a picture that was taken outside the temple. It has been a great day.
We want to express our appreciation to you for the love and support of your missionary. Thank you for your great faith.
Love,
President and Sister Wade
April 15, 2008
Hey, don't have much time but they're making us write you to let you know we got in safe and sound.
Love you all,
Josh
Love you all,
Josh
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
April 8, 2008
Hola mi familia (y amigos),
Well this is my last letter from the States, so I'm truly excited right now. I made a list mom, so hopefully I cover everything...
First of all, this week I purchased a Book of Mormon and Himnario in Guaraní, and it is definitely not spanish. I wish I could attach a picture of what it looks like, its definitely an indian language. They don't have a pronunciation guide or grammar book on it or anything here, so I'm not quite sure how to say things, but I've already started recognizing words and have a basic understanding of some of the ways they work. I just really wish I just knew how to pronounce things, then it would be easy, but I don't have the luxury of searching the internet for such a thing, so I'll just have to wait til I meet some natives to figure it out.
Thanks for all the stuff about your missionaries from all those years ago, its awesome that you're trying to connect with them, I'm sure they love hearing from someone they taught. And oh my goodness, you've confused the heck out of me woman! I got your email before you letter, and I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about with the sound system... I think I've figured out that you've figured it out and don't need my help though, which is good, cause I wouldn't know where to begin from so far away. Oh, and the reason that email didn't go through last week was because you sent it to the wrong address, not my missionary one. But I can't help you there, I don't remember what my information was, but Dad as the Bishop has administrative powers to make you the webmaster, log in as him and you'll be able to do that.
Conference this past week was awesome, but the last session was the best. Second best was the Priesthood session (sorry mom, you always miss out). President Monson is just hilarious, and I loved his talks. President Uchtdorf was also very good, he spoke several times and I enjoyed each of them as well. The only bad thing about Conference was during the Sunday morning session, the MoTab just completely slaughtered one of my favorite hymns, "If You Could Hie to Kolob," with some awful rendition of it. Thats one of the hymns you just can't change up. Overall, I wasn't all that impressed with the music selections this new director has made so far. But everything else was great.
So I'm definitely ready to get down to South America... and get a new companion. The time has come and gone for me to get a new one. Thats all I'll say about that.
So on to what I know you're just dying to find out: The Flight Information. By this time next week I'll be in Paraguay. We start out be heading to the airport and taking a 2pm flight out to Atlanta, where we have a very short 1 hour layover, followed by a 10 hour overnight flight down to Buenos Aires. There we'll meet up with the Argentine half of our district (we're heading down with a group of 13 headed to Asuncion North, and they're going down a different way with a group headed to Argentina), and we're all excited to get that chance to see each other one last time in South America. We get in to Buenos Aires about 8am, and have a 3 hour layover until we take a 1 hour flight up to Asuncion, where we'll be getting in about noon local time. All in all its about 15 hours in the air, and will take about 20 hours to get there. I'm so excited, we're all ready to just go pack our bags like right now!
Well there's all the information, and you can probably expect a call from me on Monday at about 3pm your time from the Salt Lake Airport, where you get to finally hear me speak fluent (ha ha ha) spanish. I know the girls will be getting home from school about that time, but can you pretty pretty please pick up Cole from school early so he can be there too?? :-) I don't know what to say about dad... its not like he can get picked up early from work. Maybe I'll try calling when we get to Buenos Aires as well, which might be early enough to catch him before he goes in to work on Tuesday.
Thats all I really have for this week, all is steady and slow, though there's so much excitement that we're about to leave. Next time you get a letter it will be from South America, and it probably won't be for 2 weeks since we kind of miss the P-Day as we're traveling. I hope a get a native companion that forces me to speak spanish, all is going well and I have no doubt that I'll be able to continue to pick it up quickly. And maybe I'll actually have some stories to make my letters somewhat interesting then, we'll see.
Love you all,
Elder Dennis
Well this is my last letter from the States, so I'm truly excited right now. I made a list mom, so hopefully I cover everything...
First of all, this week I purchased a Book of Mormon and Himnario in Guaraní, and it is definitely not spanish. I wish I could attach a picture of what it looks like, its definitely an indian language. They don't have a pronunciation guide or grammar book on it or anything here, so I'm not quite sure how to say things, but I've already started recognizing words and have a basic understanding of some of the ways they work. I just really wish I just knew how to pronounce things, then it would be easy, but I don't have the luxury of searching the internet for such a thing, so I'll just have to wait til I meet some natives to figure it out.
Thanks for all the stuff about your missionaries from all those years ago, its awesome that you're trying to connect with them, I'm sure they love hearing from someone they taught. And oh my goodness, you've confused the heck out of me woman! I got your email before you letter, and I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about with the sound system... I think I've figured out that you've figured it out and don't need my help though, which is good, cause I wouldn't know where to begin from so far away. Oh, and the reason that email didn't go through last week was because you sent it to the wrong address, not my missionary one. But I can't help you there, I don't remember what my information was, but Dad as the Bishop has administrative powers to make you the webmaster, log in as him and you'll be able to do that.
Conference this past week was awesome, but the last session was the best. Second best was the Priesthood session (sorry mom, you always miss out). President Monson is just hilarious, and I loved his talks. President Uchtdorf was also very good, he spoke several times and I enjoyed each of them as well. The only bad thing about Conference was during the Sunday morning session, the MoTab just completely slaughtered one of my favorite hymns, "If You Could Hie to Kolob," with some awful rendition of it. Thats one of the hymns you just can't change up. Overall, I wasn't all that impressed with the music selections this new director has made so far. But everything else was great.
So I'm definitely ready to get down to South America... and get a new companion. The time has come and gone for me to get a new one. Thats all I'll say about that.
So on to what I know you're just dying to find out: The Flight Information. By this time next week I'll be in Paraguay. We start out be heading to the airport and taking a 2pm flight out to Atlanta, where we have a very short 1 hour layover, followed by a 10 hour overnight flight down to Buenos Aires. There we'll meet up with the Argentine half of our district (we're heading down with a group of 13 headed to Asuncion North, and they're going down a different way with a group headed to Argentina), and we're all excited to get that chance to see each other one last time in South America. We get in to Buenos Aires about 8am, and have a 3 hour layover until we take a 1 hour flight up to Asuncion, where we'll be getting in about noon local time. All in all its about 15 hours in the air, and will take about 20 hours to get there. I'm so excited, we're all ready to just go pack our bags like right now!
Well there's all the information, and you can probably expect a call from me on Monday at about 3pm your time from the Salt Lake Airport, where you get to finally hear me speak fluent (ha ha ha) spanish. I know the girls will be getting home from school about that time, but can you pretty pretty please pick up Cole from school early so he can be there too?? :-) I don't know what to say about dad... its not like he can get picked up early from work. Maybe I'll try calling when we get to Buenos Aires as well, which might be early enough to catch him before he goes in to work on Tuesday.
Thats all I really have for this week, all is steady and slow, though there's so much excitement that we're about to leave. Next time you get a letter it will be from South America, and it probably won't be for 2 weeks since we kind of miss the P-Day as we're traveling. I hope a get a native companion that forces me to speak spanish, all is going well and I have no doubt that I'll be able to continue to pick it up quickly. And maybe I'll actually have some stories to make my letters somewhat interesting then, we'll see.
Love you all,
Elder Dennis
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
April 1, 2008
Well hello again,
So at this point I have less than 2 weeks remaining here at the MTC! This Friday we'll be getting our flight plans, and know specifically when we'll be heading out, and what time you should be expecting a little ring-a-ling at the house. Thanks for the calling card, I think I might just copy down the information, and then send it back to you, because then you can refill it and I won't have to worry about getting another one while in Paraguay... I don't know how easy to get they are down there. That's what a couple people have suggested so far.
I'm glad you got to hear from Fiala, he's one of my regular writers, and its great to get to hear from him. Thats exciting to think that when you get to see him again, I'll have been in Paraguay for several days, speaking only spanish most likely. Spanish is coming along great, I'm having no problems picking it up, and like I say probably every week, things are getting easier to say in spanish, and alot of the more common things I feel more natural saying in spanish. Teaching is going well, I feel like I'm able to not just get through it, but actually teach it in a fluid manner.
I'm glad to hear Cole loves my letters, I love writing them. Its fun to write all simply, and I hope that I'm able to set a good example for him with what I'm doing and telling him. And Dad told me about the progress of temple work, and thats awesome! I've never paid attention to that kind of stuff, but I've been wondering how that works while I've been here and getting the chance to go to the temple everyweek. And all I needed was the first name from mom's letter a couple days ago, and Elder Bullcreek knew who it was. Haha, it is a small world in Mormonville.
I am so ready to get to Paraguay. I love my district and my teachers so much, but nothing can compare to actually being out there and being among the people. I already love them so much, and it just continues to grow each time I think about it. But apparently I'm headed to the jungle/middle of nowhere. I haven't heard anything specific from anyone of importance or any teachers who have been to Paraguay, but several of the teachers served on the Argentina side of the border, and I've gotten to hear a couple Gurani (?) phrases... its going to be interesting... its very indian haha. But I'm getting excited, it'll be a good learning experience for me, serving people who live in dirt floor huts and eating food that will give me parasites... fun times, fun times. I can't wait til I actually have stories to share.
Okay, I'll try to answer all of your questions now mommy. haha I'm sorry, but I'm very rushed in typing, and I make a list to try and cover everything, but I guess I miss stuff sometimes. Don't you worry about the map picture, I got one a long time ago, and I also got one with the Jessees, I hope you can hear from Sis Jessee soon, I know she was excited to send it to you.
I haven't heard anything about singing in Conference this Saturday, so I have a feeling we won't be, but Dad will find out in the opening few seconds of Priesthood session if we are or not. And I'm sorry to hear about you and Grandpap on opposite ends of the fluids spectrum. haha It makes me laugh to think of you complaining about having to drink so much, I can picture it so clearly.
I don't really have any stories to share, we kind of just do the same thing over and over again... and it just entails sitting in a classroom for 12 hours a day... But you'll get one more letter from me next week, and then I don't know when the next one will be, but you can be sure I'll have plenty to say :-)
I love you all, and I hope all is going well at home.
Elder Dennis
PS - You don't have to include this part in the blog post, but I was curious about the missionaries who taught you. We've been hearing a ton of the ripple effect stories while we've been here, and I love those two young... now older... men who knocked on your door over 20 years ago now whom I know nothing about. And also, could you include my Priesthood lineage next time you zip a little email to me? Muchas gracias.
So at this point I have less than 2 weeks remaining here at the MTC! This Friday we'll be getting our flight plans, and know specifically when we'll be heading out, and what time you should be expecting a little ring-a-ling at the house. Thanks for the calling card, I think I might just copy down the information, and then send it back to you, because then you can refill it and I won't have to worry about getting another one while in Paraguay... I don't know how easy to get they are down there. That's what a couple people have suggested so far.
I'm glad you got to hear from Fiala, he's one of my regular writers, and its great to get to hear from him. Thats exciting to think that when you get to see him again, I'll have been in Paraguay for several days, speaking only spanish most likely. Spanish is coming along great, I'm having no problems picking it up, and like I say probably every week, things are getting easier to say in spanish, and alot of the more common things I feel more natural saying in spanish. Teaching is going well, I feel like I'm able to not just get through it, but actually teach it in a fluid manner.
I'm glad to hear Cole loves my letters, I love writing them. Its fun to write all simply, and I hope that I'm able to set a good example for him with what I'm doing and telling him. And Dad told me about the progress of temple work, and thats awesome! I've never paid attention to that kind of stuff, but I've been wondering how that works while I've been here and getting the chance to go to the temple everyweek. And all I needed was the first name from mom's letter a couple days ago, and Elder Bullcreek knew who it was. Haha, it is a small world in Mormonville.
I am so ready to get to Paraguay. I love my district and my teachers so much, but nothing can compare to actually being out there and being among the people. I already love them so much, and it just continues to grow each time I think about it. But apparently I'm headed to the jungle/middle of nowhere. I haven't heard anything specific from anyone of importance or any teachers who have been to Paraguay, but several of the teachers served on the Argentina side of the border, and I've gotten to hear a couple Gurani (?) phrases... its going to be interesting... its very indian haha. But I'm getting excited, it'll be a good learning experience for me, serving people who live in dirt floor huts and eating food that will give me parasites... fun times, fun times. I can't wait til I actually have stories to share.
Okay, I'll try to answer all of your questions now mommy. haha I'm sorry, but I'm very rushed in typing, and I make a list to try and cover everything, but I guess I miss stuff sometimes. Don't you worry about the map picture, I got one a long time ago, and I also got one with the Jessees, I hope you can hear from Sis Jessee soon, I know she was excited to send it to you.
I haven't heard anything about singing in Conference this Saturday, so I have a feeling we won't be, but Dad will find out in the opening few seconds of Priesthood session if we are or not. And I'm sorry to hear about you and Grandpap on opposite ends of the fluids spectrum. haha It makes me laugh to think of you complaining about having to drink so much, I can picture it so clearly.
I don't really have any stories to share, we kind of just do the same thing over and over again... and it just entails sitting in a classroom for 12 hours a day... But you'll get one more letter from me next week, and then I don't know when the next one will be, but you can be sure I'll have plenty to say :-)
I love you all, and I hope all is going well at home.
Elder Dennis
PS - You don't have to include this part in the blog post, but I was curious about the missionaries who taught you. We've been hearing a ton of the ripple effect stories while we've been here, and I love those two young... now older... men who knocked on your door over 20 years ago now whom I know nothing about. And also, could you include my Priesthood lineage next time you zip a little email to me? Muchas gracias.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Mar 25, 2008
Hello once again,
That's sweet that Elder Parkin and LeBlanc both lived in the same building... that probably means that I've seen LeBlanc, though the building is big and I see people I've never seen before in there everyday. And wow, it is a small world. What's the name of that guy, Elder Bullcreek wants to know. Chances are he'll know who he is, but I don't remember much about them.
I'm sorry to hear Grandpap is doing so bad, but at least someone is taking care and looking at his feet. I hope all goes well, and I'll be sure to remember him in my prayers. And I'm sorry to hear about the death in the family, I've been praying for everyone. Also let Grandma and Grandpa Dennis know that I am getting their letters, as well as Grandma Karen´s, and muchas gracias! I love you all, thanks for the support.
I'm glad Haley liked it out at BYU-I, I'm sure she's going to love it. Just remember Haley, no getting married until I get home! haha And as for Cole, I hope he starts feeling better! Oh my goodness, that star name is Awesome! I was laughing so hard when I read that. I wanna know where he came up with that craziness haha! And Robyn, I'm so glad to learn that some old habits just never die...
Thanks for the shaving tips, they've helped out alot. I used the electric before I got you letter and could already see improvement, so I used the electric razor for 2 days and my skin was back to normal, and I started shaving normal again, but after 3 days it was starting to creep back again, so today I used to electric and hopefully it'll go away again... I just have really sensitive skin I guess. Now as for the packages...
You got gyped big time on the 2 day package last week, I got it on Wednesday. I dunno whats up with that. But the Easter package got to me on Saturday. Oh, and thanks for the letter... which I got 2 days after getting the package. Um, don't bother doing that again, I would just get the package slip at the same time as the letter anyways. Its our districts mailbox, not just mine, which the district leader has to get, and its not like he can stop in at all hours of the day.
But something scary happened this week, we officially became the oldest district in our zone. The last district took off for Argentina Monday morning, and we're the big dogs now. Thats just a scary thought right there, to know that the next "Hasta Ver" will be ours. Thats basically the going away thing the zone holds when a district leaves, its title is taken from the spanish lyrics to the hymn "Til We Meet"... I think thats what it is in spanish. By the way, its so much better in spanish. By next Friday we'll have our flight plans! Craziness!
I saw the Jessees last tuesday evening, and was able to get a picture with them Sunday night before they left. I gave Sis. Jessee your email address, and she said she was gonna send you the pictures. So hopefully you'll hear from her soon, once they're all settled in in Romania.
Also another tidbit of information: I can roll my R's!! That was super exciting yesterday, when after 6 weeks of pure try I was actually able to do it. That is definitely the hardest part of all this spanish business, without a doubt. They rest is coming just fine, I know that the Lord is blessing me. Its super hard right now though, because my companion absolutely stinks at spanish. It stems from the fact that his mind is more scrambled than yours, and can't remember anything. For example, when he got here, he couldn't remember the address he's been living at his whole life to write a letter home. So thats a very trying experience, to try and teach with someone in spanish who can barely introduce himself after 6 weeks. But I'm stronger at spanish because of it, and trying as hard as I can to get him to get it.
I hope all is going well at home, I love you all!
Elder Dennis
That's sweet that Elder Parkin and LeBlanc both lived in the same building... that probably means that I've seen LeBlanc, though the building is big and I see people I've never seen before in there everyday. And wow, it is a small world. What's the name of that guy, Elder Bullcreek wants to know. Chances are he'll know who he is, but I don't remember much about them.
I'm sorry to hear Grandpap is doing so bad, but at least someone is taking care and looking at his feet. I hope all goes well, and I'll be sure to remember him in my prayers. And I'm sorry to hear about the death in the family, I've been praying for everyone. Also let Grandma and Grandpa Dennis know that I am getting their letters, as well as Grandma Karen´s, and muchas gracias! I love you all, thanks for the support.
I'm glad Haley liked it out at BYU-I, I'm sure she's going to love it. Just remember Haley, no getting married until I get home! haha And as for Cole, I hope he starts feeling better! Oh my goodness, that star name is Awesome! I was laughing so hard when I read that. I wanna know where he came up with that craziness haha! And Robyn, I'm so glad to learn that some old habits just never die...
Thanks for the shaving tips, they've helped out alot. I used the electric before I got you letter and could already see improvement, so I used the electric razor for 2 days and my skin was back to normal, and I started shaving normal again, but after 3 days it was starting to creep back again, so today I used to electric and hopefully it'll go away again... I just have really sensitive skin I guess. Now as for the packages...
You got gyped big time on the 2 day package last week, I got it on Wednesday. I dunno whats up with that. But the Easter package got to me on Saturday. Oh, and thanks for the letter... which I got 2 days after getting the package. Um, don't bother doing that again, I would just get the package slip at the same time as the letter anyways. Its our districts mailbox, not just mine, which the district leader has to get, and its not like he can stop in at all hours of the day.
But something scary happened this week, we officially became the oldest district in our zone. The last district took off for Argentina Monday morning, and we're the big dogs now. Thats just a scary thought right there, to know that the next "Hasta Ver" will be ours. Thats basically the going away thing the zone holds when a district leaves, its title is taken from the spanish lyrics to the hymn "Til We Meet"... I think thats what it is in spanish. By the way, its so much better in spanish. By next Friday we'll have our flight plans! Craziness!
I saw the Jessees last tuesday evening, and was able to get a picture with them Sunday night before they left. I gave Sis. Jessee your email address, and she said she was gonna send you the pictures. So hopefully you'll hear from her soon, once they're all settled in in Romania.
Also another tidbit of information: I can roll my R's!! That was super exciting yesterday, when after 6 weeks of pure try I was actually able to do it. That is definitely the hardest part of all this spanish business, without a doubt. They rest is coming just fine, I know that the Lord is blessing me. Its super hard right now though, because my companion absolutely stinks at spanish. It stems from the fact that his mind is more scrambled than yours, and can't remember anything. For example, when he got here, he couldn't remember the address he's been living at his whole life to write a letter home. So thats a very trying experience, to try and teach with someone in spanish who can barely introduce himself after 6 weeks. But I'm stronger at spanish because of it, and trying as hard as I can to get him to get it.
I hope all is going well at home, I love you all!
Elder Dennis
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Mar 18, 2008
Hello once again,
I'm glad you all enjoyed the photos I sent you, and you're able to see all the people that I'm around 24/7. They're all great guys. I haven't yet received the package, but I'm hoping that I get it this dinner period, cause it seems like it should be here by now. Also, I haven't yet seen the Jessees, but I'm super excited and have definitely had my eyes peeled for them. I'm hoping I get to see them tonight at the big devotional, because everyone is at those things.
I'm glad to hear things went well with the husband of Cole's piano teacher, thats awesome. I'm sure Cole is doing incredible on that thing, probably passed me up by now. And tell Robyn she better be flippin sweet and do a musical number in Sacrament Meeting when I get home haha. OH, and my suitcoat is so not snug you little booger. And don't worry mom, I haven't gone an ounce past 144... if anything, I need to keep putting on weight so my clothes FIT, they're quite loose on me I've noticed. Though I've come to love my clothes here, every P-Day it feels ultra weird and heavy to wear jeans and a tshirt. Also, pray for my neck... I have a sevre rash on my neck from having to shave everyday. I thought it would get better as my skin gets used to it, but it just gets worse and worse each day.
I'm glad someone was able to enjoy my guitar, I know I'm definitely missing that more than just about all of my other things. My fingers are actually starting to get soft, and I'm not liking it. The pictures you tried to send me where pointless because I can't open them on these computers cause they're so protected, but they did come through, so when I'm in Paraguay it should be fine.
This week we began teaching all in spanish, so thats a huge step for all of us. Yesterday we taught just the Restoration by ourselves to other people in the class, and I was surprised to discover that I was able to say just about everything I wanted to clearly and effectively. So that was a huge morale booster for me, I was feeling pretty discouraged this past week, but I'm one of the best speakers in the class, so I have no idea what the other guys are going through. Unfortunately for me, but probably a help for him, Elder Legler is probably the worst at it...
Also this past Sunday we got to hear Sheri L. Dew for our Sunday night Fireside... I'd never really heard of her but all the Hermanas were freaking out so I figure I should mention her because you probably know who she is. She gave a great discourse on our influence as young latter-day saints in the world, and how we are one of the chosen generations saved for the end of times. It was good, I took quite a bit of notes.
I love you all. Oh, and make sure you're sending these emails to Elder Fiala at jamesfiala@myldsmail.com. He requested that in his last letter. Thanks a ton!
Love,
Elder Dennis
I'm glad you all enjoyed the photos I sent you, and you're able to see all the people that I'm around 24/7. They're all great guys. I haven't yet received the package, but I'm hoping that I get it this dinner period, cause it seems like it should be here by now. Also, I haven't yet seen the Jessees, but I'm super excited and have definitely had my eyes peeled for them. I'm hoping I get to see them tonight at the big devotional, because everyone is at those things.
I'm glad to hear things went well with the husband of Cole's piano teacher, thats awesome. I'm sure Cole is doing incredible on that thing, probably passed me up by now. And tell Robyn she better be flippin sweet and do a musical number in Sacrament Meeting when I get home haha. OH, and my suitcoat is so not snug you little booger. And don't worry mom, I haven't gone an ounce past 144... if anything, I need to keep putting on weight so my clothes FIT, they're quite loose on me I've noticed. Though I've come to love my clothes here, every P-Day it feels ultra weird and heavy to wear jeans and a tshirt. Also, pray for my neck... I have a sevre rash on my neck from having to shave everyday. I thought it would get better as my skin gets used to it, but it just gets worse and worse each day.
I'm glad someone was able to enjoy my guitar, I know I'm definitely missing that more than just about all of my other things. My fingers are actually starting to get soft, and I'm not liking it. The pictures you tried to send me where pointless because I can't open them on these computers cause they're so protected, but they did come through, so when I'm in Paraguay it should be fine.
This week we began teaching all in spanish, so thats a huge step for all of us. Yesterday we taught just the Restoration by ourselves to other people in the class, and I was surprised to discover that I was able to say just about everything I wanted to clearly and effectively. So that was a huge morale booster for me, I was feeling pretty discouraged this past week, but I'm one of the best speakers in the class, so I have no idea what the other guys are going through. Unfortunately for me, but probably a help for him, Elder Legler is probably the worst at it...
Also this past Sunday we got to hear Sheri L. Dew for our Sunday night Fireside... I'd never really heard of her but all the Hermanas were freaking out so I figure I should mention her because you probably know who she is. She gave a great discourse on our influence as young latter-day saints in the world, and how we are one of the chosen generations saved for the end of times. It was good, I took quite a bit of notes.
I love you all. Oh, and make sure you're sending these emails to Elder Fiala at jamesfiala@myldsmail.com. He requested that in his last letter. Thanks a ton!
Love,
Elder Dennis
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Mar 11, 2008
Hello again,
Its CrAzY to think that I've actually been out here for a month's time. The days are just zooming by, each day is like wait, yesterday was Sunday, how can it be Sunday again? We're kept so busy and we're learing so much. We have been taught most of the spanish grammar rules, and can say jsut about anything we need to in spanish, now its just a matter of building up our vocabularies and mastering all the little things so that we don't sound like gringos when we first get there (a goal not capable of acheiving in my opinion, but we try our best).
As for Elder Parkin's new companion, I was going to mention that yeah, he probably get here about the same time I did, and I might have seen him around. I ran into a group going to Utica Mission, but that was nearly 3 weeks ago--way too long to remember specific people. And don't you worry about serving them breakfast, I'm sure they're loving it. I can testify of that on their side as a missionary.
Tell Haley to suck it up and get out for the weekend, I'm sure she'll love it, even if she doesn't like the school. And tell Dad that in my room, in the closet on the shelf, the box for my car stereo contains the instructions for installation, and the original stereo, if he wants to put in that one. I'm sure its alot simpler to use.
Thats awesome that you're finding ways to mention the gospel to people in everyday situations. Just remember, as we've heard alot lately, don't bring the full doctrinal superpower up right away, most people just need some casual truth and can grow from there. I forget which Apostle it was that talked about that last General Conference.
Also, I'm sure you've been sitting around waiting for my email for a little while today, and that is because I've discovered a new method to make better use of the time available to me. I'm able to print off your letter in about a minute, and then read it, and then get back on and have 29 minutes to type out a response. It involves me waiting to come up to a building with a printer though, instead of typing out a response waiting for my clothes to dry. And the Dear Elder letters are great, I get them day of most of the time I think, though it depends on when you send them. Last week I got the response to my email at dinner, so it was great to hear from you. Although, please avoid sending more than that one response, because as I'm unable to communicate with you as quickly, especially about things like packages, it creates a lot of frustration on my end when you're asking questions and then answering them yourself, but its the wrong answer. Like the Girl Scout cookies... which my roommates enjoyed. I wish I could have responded to let you know that I actually don't enjoy mint at all, and like the peanut butter ones. So one response is fine, but avoid multiple ones throughout the week.
Umm... a little bit about my week I guess:
Elder Jeffery R. Holland payed the MTC a visist for last weeks Tuesday Devotional, and it was incredible! He's a great speaker, and so passionate for the gospel and missionary work. The last couple speakers we've heard from have all been great, and I cannot wait to get out to Paraguay and actually be serving among the people there. Its crazy to think that I'm basically halfway to getting there!
My weight has settled inbetween 142-145 most of the time, I don't seem to be gaining much more now, but I feel like its a comfortable weight. But i was hoping to get fat before I get down there... I'm going to be a twig coming home.
This week we've begun to focus on teaching in spanish. We have one Saturday of teaching the "investigators" (of which there was a great article in the Church News this past week) in english, and next Saturday we fly solo in español. So thats very exciting. I'm already, and have been for awhile, more comfortable reciting the 1st Vision, DyC 4 and Our Purpose in spanish than in english. Also, my pictures should be getting there soon, I think I sent them out on Friday... though maybe it was Saturday, I can't remember. It has with it a list describing all the pictures starting with the first picture I took, so I hope they all stay in order for you. Oh, I think I forgot to mention this last time, but thanks for the new battery and memory card, though the pictures on it are very teeny tiny, and I can barely see them. I can't figure out why, but its all good. I enjoyed the movies of Cole, which were normal.
Okay, now to some things that I need. haha
Could you send me that pair of dress shoes I left behind (with the grey insert), I think I could end up needing them, and it'll be much easier to send me stuff here than when I get to Paraguay. Also I would love a copy of my call. Its in one of my dresser drawers I think. Not the original, but a copy. And A picture of the family, like the one where we're all wearing brown shirts. And some baby powder... I hear I'll want it once I start walking around all day...
Also I have an electric razor, send that in case I decide to use it... My neck still is bright red, I'm hoping that goes away soon. And my Rubik's cube with the instructions.. which I think are in the nightstand supporting my TV. As for that check, I signed it for a reason. Just deposit it to my checking account, I have plenty of money thanks to the way more than I needed that you gave me :-p And finally, some of the metal collar thingys... I don't know where mine went...
Thanks a bunch! I love you all, and hope everything is going well there, and that the mess has cleared up for Dad. I can't wait to hear from ya'll again.
Elder Dennis
Its CrAzY to think that I've actually been out here for a month's time. The days are just zooming by, each day is like wait, yesterday was Sunday, how can it be Sunday again? We're kept so busy and we're learing so much. We have been taught most of the spanish grammar rules, and can say jsut about anything we need to in spanish, now its just a matter of building up our vocabularies and mastering all the little things so that we don't sound like gringos when we first get there (a goal not capable of acheiving in my opinion, but we try our best).
As for Elder Parkin's new companion, I was going to mention that yeah, he probably get here about the same time I did, and I might have seen him around. I ran into a group going to Utica Mission, but that was nearly 3 weeks ago--way too long to remember specific people. And don't you worry about serving them breakfast, I'm sure they're loving it. I can testify of that on their side as a missionary.
Tell Haley to suck it up and get out for the weekend, I'm sure she'll love it, even if she doesn't like the school. And tell Dad that in my room, in the closet on the shelf, the box for my car stereo contains the instructions for installation, and the original stereo, if he wants to put in that one. I'm sure its alot simpler to use.
Thats awesome that you're finding ways to mention the gospel to people in everyday situations. Just remember, as we've heard alot lately, don't bring the full doctrinal superpower up right away, most people just need some casual truth and can grow from there. I forget which Apostle it was that talked about that last General Conference.
Also, I'm sure you've been sitting around waiting for my email for a little while today, and that is because I've discovered a new method to make better use of the time available to me. I'm able to print off your letter in about a minute, and then read it, and then get back on and have 29 minutes to type out a response. It involves me waiting to come up to a building with a printer though, instead of typing out a response waiting for my clothes to dry. And the Dear Elder letters are great, I get them day of most of the time I think, though it depends on when you send them. Last week I got the response to my email at dinner, so it was great to hear from you. Although, please avoid sending more than that one response, because as I'm unable to communicate with you as quickly, especially about things like packages, it creates a lot of frustration on my end when you're asking questions and then answering them yourself, but its the wrong answer. Like the Girl Scout cookies... which my roommates enjoyed. I wish I could have responded to let you know that I actually don't enjoy mint at all, and like the peanut butter ones. So one response is fine, but avoid multiple ones throughout the week.
Umm... a little bit about my week I guess:
Elder Jeffery R. Holland payed the MTC a visist for last weeks Tuesday Devotional, and it was incredible! He's a great speaker, and so passionate for the gospel and missionary work. The last couple speakers we've heard from have all been great, and I cannot wait to get out to Paraguay and actually be serving among the people there. Its crazy to think that I'm basically halfway to getting there!
My weight has settled inbetween 142-145 most of the time, I don't seem to be gaining much more now, but I feel like its a comfortable weight. But i was hoping to get fat before I get down there... I'm going to be a twig coming home.
This week we've begun to focus on teaching in spanish. We have one Saturday of teaching the "investigators" (of which there was a great article in the Church News this past week) in english, and next Saturday we fly solo in español. So thats very exciting. I'm already, and have been for awhile, more comfortable reciting the 1st Vision, DyC 4 and Our Purpose in spanish than in english. Also, my pictures should be getting there soon, I think I sent them out on Friday... though maybe it was Saturday, I can't remember. It has with it a list describing all the pictures starting with the first picture I took, so I hope they all stay in order for you. Oh, I think I forgot to mention this last time, but thanks for the new battery and memory card, though the pictures on it are very teeny tiny, and I can barely see them. I can't figure out why, but its all good. I enjoyed the movies of Cole, which were normal.
Okay, now to some things that I need. haha
Could you send me that pair of dress shoes I left behind (with the grey insert), I think I could end up needing them, and it'll be much easier to send me stuff here than when I get to Paraguay. Also I would love a copy of my call. Its in one of my dresser drawers I think. Not the original, but a copy. And A picture of the family, like the one where we're all wearing brown shirts. And some baby powder... I hear I'll want it once I start walking around all day...
Also I have an electric razor, send that in case I decide to use it... My neck still is bright red, I'm hoping that goes away soon. And my Rubik's cube with the instructions.. which I think are in the nightstand supporting my TV. As for that check, I signed it for a reason. Just deposit it to my checking account, I have plenty of money thanks to the way more than I needed that you gave me :-p And finally, some of the metal collar thingys... I don't know where mine went...
Thanks a bunch! I love you all, and hope everything is going well there, and that the mess has cleared up for Dad. I can't wait to hear from ya'll again.
Elder Dennis
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Mar 4, 2008
Hello again,
Well I'm definitely not missing the cold, its not bad out here at all. The only times I use my coat are on Tuesdays and Sundays when we walk up to the temple, and sometimes not even then. Its a little brisk in the morning, but you only spend a minute or two outside when walking between buildings, and its not bad at all... although running to the gym in shorts and a tshirt definitely wakes you up.
Thanks for the package you sent, I was wondering what happened to that pair of bottoms, I was one short, on it felt like I was supposed to have another mesh top as well. Thanks for the candy... though only the Air Heads survived. I think when you bent the Nerds Rope in half to fit them in the package it popped a whole in the wrappings, cause that were definitely stale when I got them yesterday. And thanks for the memory card and battery, though for some reason the pictures are all like super tiny, its bigger to look at them in the thumbnail view menu than to look at them individually. But the videos of Cole doing his little dance are fine, and those are awesome. And yeah, I could've told you all that I would have hated a cruise, all people do is get drunk. I've known that for years.
Things are going well here, and the time is flying by. But the days are so incredibly long... each night I go to write in my journal and I have to get out my planner to remember what we did that day, and even then its hard to remember what happened in the morning. In class we're speaking in spanish all the time. If we absolutely have to speak in english, we're forced to go stand in the "Rincon de veguenza" or corner of shame. Its not really a shameful kind of thing, its just taking advantage of how lazy we are, so we try harder to get our point across in spanish before resorting to having to get out of our chairs.
I've taken a lot of pictures and a couple videos, but unfortunately I can't sent them to you all yet, hopefully I'll be able to do that once I'm in the field. And yeah, I'm assuming all of us Paraguayan missionaries will be heading down together, and possibly even part of the way with our district, the rest of which is going to Argentina. We don't get our flightplans and that stuff for another 4 weeks though, so I'm not sure the exact details of when we'll be leaving. Typically missionaries leave on Tuesdays super early in the morning... like have to get up at 4 am to get to the airport early... so it'll be a repeat of my trip out here. However, this flight they're saying will most likely be about 20 hours of flying time, so just a little bit longer to get there.
And for you who think I'll be getting fat down there... I'll probably come back a twig. Apparently another thing just about everyone gets besides PK is parasites. So I'll have a tapeworm keeping me skinny most likely. For that reason all of us going to Paraguay are trying to put on as much weight as possible while we're here in the MTC. I got up to 143, but after Fast Sunday I was back down to 140.
As for the choir, its really fun. Its way hardcore, but I'm enjoying it. And yes, that possibility is the entire reason my companion and I and some other elders from my district are doing it. If we get that oppurtunity it would be simply amazing. I'm not sure when we'd find out we're doing that though, so hopefully I'll have more info on that before conference. If you don't here anything, just record in just in case, because there's a good chance we will, because they usually have the Missionary Choir during the priesthood session as far as I can remember. You might wanna check out the BYU channel on the dish as well, because apparently they broadcast some of the devotionals from the MTC, and you might catch me singing on TV here. They devotionals are at 7pm Mountain time on Sundays and Tuesdays, but the choir only sings on Tuesday. I'm not sure if they're actually aired or not, but thats the word on the street.
Well I'm running out of time, and I can't think of much else to say. I was going to ask for something I think, but I can't remember what that was.Thanks for Elder Fiala's address. I hope things go well,
Elder Josué Dennis
Well I'm definitely not missing the cold, its not bad out here at all. The only times I use my coat are on Tuesdays and Sundays when we walk up to the temple, and sometimes not even then. Its a little brisk in the morning, but you only spend a minute or two outside when walking between buildings, and its not bad at all... although running to the gym in shorts and a tshirt definitely wakes you up.
Thanks for the package you sent, I was wondering what happened to that pair of bottoms, I was one short, on it felt like I was supposed to have another mesh top as well. Thanks for the candy... though only the Air Heads survived. I think when you bent the Nerds Rope in half to fit them in the package it popped a whole in the wrappings, cause that were definitely stale when I got them yesterday. And thanks for the memory card and battery, though for some reason the pictures are all like super tiny, its bigger to look at them in the thumbnail view menu than to look at them individually. But the videos of Cole doing his little dance are fine, and those are awesome. And yeah, I could've told you all that I would have hated a cruise, all people do is get drunk. I've known that for years.
Things are going well here, and the time is flying by. But the days are so incredibly long... each night I go to write in my journal and I have to get out my planner to remember what we did that day, and even then its hard to remember what happened in the morning. In class we're speaking in spanish all the time. If we absolutely have to speak in english, we're forced to go stand in the "Rincon de veguenza" or corner of shame. Its not really a shameful kind of thing, its just taking advantage of how lazy we are, so we try harder to get our point across in spanish before resorting to having to get out of our chairs.
I've taken a lot of pictures and a couple videos, but unfortunately I can't sent them to you all yet, hopefully I'll be able to do that once I'm in the field. And yeah, I'm assuming all of us Paraguayan missionaries will be heading down together, and possibly even part of the way with our district, the rest of which is going to Argentina. We don't get our flightplans and that stuff for another 4 weeks though, so I'm not sure the exact details of when we'll be leaving. Typically missionaries leave on Tuesdays super early in the morning... like have to get up at 4 am to get to the airport early... so it'll be a repeat of my trip out here. However, this flight they're saying will most likely be about 20 hours of flying time, so just a little bit longer to get there.
And for you who think I'll be getting fat down there... I'll probably come back a twig. Apparently another thing just about everyone gets besides PK is parasites. So I'll have a tapeworm keeping me skinny most likely. For that reason all of us going to Paraguay are trying to put on as much weight as possible while we're here in the MTC. I got up to 143, but after Fast Sunday I was back down to 140.
As for the choir, its really fun. Its way hardcore, but I'm enjoying it. And yes, that possibility is the entire reason my companion and I and some other elders from my district are doing it. If we get that oppurtunity it would be simply amazing. I'm not sure when we'd find out we're doing that though, so hopefully I'll have more info on that before conference. If you don't here anything, just record in just in case, because there's a good chance we will, because they usually have the Missionary Choir during the priesthood session as far as I can remember. You might wanna check out the BYU channel on the dish as well, because apparently they broadcast some of the devotionals from the MTC, and you might catch me singing on TV here. They devotionals are at 7pm Mountain time on Sundays and Tuesdays, but the choir only sings on Tuesday. I'm not sure if they're actually aired or not, but thats the word on the street.
Well I'm running out of time, and I can't think of much else to say. I was going to ask for something I think, but I can't remember what that was.Thanks for Elder Fiala's address. I hope things go well,
Elder Josué Dennis
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