Elder Saunooke's 12/8/15

Last pday we got to finally get out of the CCM and we took care of our visa stuff. It was the best thing in the world because we got to drink Coke which they do not sell at the CCM. We also dont get to drink coke in our mission so it was a celebrated experience. We also had the largest tie trade that I have seen since arriving here. There were a good 40 elders there, and I have realized that I have a deep appreciation and love for skinnier ties because wider ties look terrible with short sleeve shirts.

The next day (Friday) marked one month being in the CCM. We met our new investigator who also doubles as another teacher and she served in our mission!!! She said she loved it and cried when she was forced to sleep in a bed again. She said I will be a giant there. I talked to her for a good half hour completely in spanish, and found out that in our mission everyone shares water from a well and sometimes you can literally see parasites swimming in the water. oh joy. I was chosen as the demonstration investigator for the coaching lesson and I had both of my teachers playing the role of missionaries. I always am chosen to play the role of the investigator, but I really like that because the reason I am always chosen is because my teacher thinks my spanish is pretty decent... at least that´s what I tell myself.

The only thing that got really exciting the next day was that I learned how to tie the Eldredge knot. It would have been a feeling of great accomplishment, except some teacher who isnt even our teacher walked in and saw us practicing, and blew up on us, and proceeded to tell us that if we tied that knot and violated dress standards we would not be blessed with the gift of tongues.... wow talk about a spiritual lady hahaha. I was still proud of myself though and I will definitely be adding that knot to my list of skills picked up on the mission.

Sunday was great, and it was our first fast sunday. In mexico they fast the dinner before and breakfast, and then break it for lunch. It was definitely easier than I thought it was going to be though. We had a devotional by Jeffrey R. Holland and of course it was straight fuego. He spoke about the role of the Holy Ghost in teaching, and shared the scripture about if ye have not the spirit ye shall not teach. Until his talk, I had never looked at that as a commandment, merely as a promise... The christmas devotional was great and I loved hearing Carol of the Bells. It has always been a favorite of mine. Elder Bednar´s talk about Christ´s birth literally saving thousands in the America´s who believed in him was so inspirational.

Yesterday was very cold and I definitely brought a blanket to our evening language study. We got our flight plans and we leave at 2:30 am on monday morning. I will deeply miss the friends I have made here, but I am so excited to finally serve my mission. 

Today we had the opportunity to attend the Mexico City temple and it is absolutely gorgeous. I loved having the chance to hear a session in spanish, and to see so many missionaries around me. I felt the help of the savior during the session because I didnt even struggle with even though I havent been through many times and it was in another language. This week I have been thinking a lot about Papa and how he loved the Mexican people and culture. I will always remember dinner at Mi Pueblo and how he loved mexican food. I firmly believe that he will be coming with me to Mérida.

I love you all and hope you have a great week!

Elder Saunooke