Time has to be the weirdest thing on the mission.
The last week was stellar. Some sweet shout outs is the packages I got from both the family and Bree. So new music, Chic-fil-a sauce, girl scout cookies, and a cooking apron have all been on the rotation.
This last week was also cool because of the time I was able to spend with Elder N my new ZL (zone leader) and guy from my CCM (Missionary Training Center) group. He's a great guy and missionary.
Elder P and I hit the campo of Paso Yobai late and wet this week. Lots of rain and so that means less people out and about and people even less inclined to care at all about what we are talking about.
Same old, same old. We have investigators that don't want to act, who keep wanting to drink, and who can not even dream of a better life than what they have right now in their 10x12 shack that floods in the rain, and eating mandioca all day.
Just to get a solid picture of the frustrating part of the week, on Saturday, after seeing R (recent convert and son of our investigator) buying caña (basically paint thinner, really strong alcohol) Elder P had a welp, that's it, kind of a moment. So we had to go to a field of mandioca, sit down and talk for a while about what we were going to do and where we're going to focus. We then read Alma's prayer in Alma 31, (if you want to know about the most correct description of how we felt just read that thing. I think it starts at like verse 26) and then said a likewise prayer. Just, it's cool, we good, and know where we are going to focus.
The good parts of the week were awesome--we now have a really clear picture of how we are going to work with members and help Paso Yobai on like a large like scale out here. We are going to build the web and have members excited. We started Seminary this week with the youth. WOOOH! And right after, we have our reading class for adults, which people are pumped for. While at the temple, we also went to the distribution center. We totally found a book to teach people how to read and understand the scriptures, put out by the Church! So, it's perfect, and Pres. Wilson totally bought it for us. We also have another reading class after church in centro de Paso Yobai and the piano class is also still going well.
Familia T (recent converts) are still killing it, and the most awesome people to work with. They are the prime example of what every missionary is looking for.
I had a little shot to the heart last night. I got super trunky and was looking at pictures of friends from home and school and thinking back on memories, and had just one of those deep regret moments.
I feel like during those years in high school and college, I was so self absorbed and involved in myself. I looked back at friends and wondered where they're at and how they're doing, and I looked at all the things I could have done differently. All the people I might have been able to help a little bit more if I had been less involved in myself. I can see how that connects to mission work and have to learn to forget myself and get to work.
So in summary, if you are reading this, I am sorry for who I was in the past. I'm sorry I didn't reach out to you more, or do those acts of service I could have. I'm sorry how wrapped up I seemed to be in myself.
BUT at month 7 in the mission, I've heard from very few people and friends. I'd love to hear from all and see how you're doing. And a picture would also be awesome to see you guys and what you're up to.
I am grateful for you all, but most of all, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I am grateful to be in His service.
Hasta luego,
Elder Parker J Yocum
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