It´s been pretty interesting thus far. I don´t really think anything could have helped me understand what a mission would be like. The MTC helped a little, but it sure is different to be out in the field. Well, so far I´ve had plenty of memorable experiences. Tracting is theeee best! Some people here will invite us in their home with no intention whatsoever to convert. They just respect missionaries. One older couple did so. They´re evangelicals. That was cool. I said the closing prayer, and oh man. They were praying with me. Outloud. Kind of similar to what churchs like that would say in the South. It was great. The food here! I just don´t quite get. It´s like I have the opportunity to get fat here without even enjoying it. They´re really big into olive oil on everything, but they don´t really like sweet things. The milk here tops the States milk by far! It´s awesome.
Two days ago, we were teaching a progressing investigator, an old man named Carlos. I couldn´t really say much, so I wrote down a scripture and a quick testimony. During Church he pulled me aside just to show me all my gramatical errors he had corrected in red pen. That was it. Yeah, I´m rocking Spanish :) Soccer is intense here. It´s my intention to learn and go pro during P days.
Annnnnyways. Those are some of my...different experiences while being here. But! Let me tell you about my trainer. Her name is Hermana Risco. She´s from Peru and doesn´t really speak English. I live with her, and a companionship of a Brazilian and a Chileno in a house in some suburbs. I get plenty of time to speak my language! Hermana Risco works super super hard. She´s a convert of 2 years, and she´s great! We understand each other, most of the time. On top of soccer, I also will be gold metal material in charades. I brought the wrong cords for pictures, but next week I´ll show you my companions and my little house!
It honestly feels like another world here. The people, the food, the culture. I am The Gringa. It´s pretty submersive as far as language and culture goes. The Brazilian, Hermana Almaeda, speaks English, so that´s good if I ever need a break! I´m not going to lie, it´s pretty tough work. But as hard as it is, that´s how big the miracles are, too.
Let me just tell you a pretty big thing I realized, and I want you to do: Cherish your membership in the church. Cheris the opportunity to be with so many strong church members. Cherish your testimonies. Le them fill your whole hearts. Go to the temple, and claim the blessings that are yours by living the gospel and being close to God. Spend time to do the things you know are right. Pray, and give your heart to God. Live your testimony. Be converted to what you know. I KNOW it is the happiest way to live. Is it the easiest? Not aways. But I know it is the happiest.
Heavenly Father is real. You better believe He is strengthening me each day. I know He can do this for you, too. Thank you so much for you letters. I´m not sure how fast they´ll come, I´m a six hour bus ride away from the mission home. I know I´ll get them some day! Keep smiling, and keep praying. I love you!!
Hermana Lovell
