This last week was week 6 of transfer 4 in Paso Yobai, and it was a good one. A lot of fun filled with a lot of good stuff, and a lot of happy tears.
With changes coming up we were sure that I would be leaving, so I was able to say goodbye to everyone in Paso Yobai. Neither bike nor distance stopped us (Elder C's bike pedal foot stripped out, so he found a branch and forced it in there to act as the pedal. STUD) It was weird saying goodbye to everyone. Yeah, they're strange and the Paraguayan form of rednecks, but they're my Paraguayan rednecks.
Sunday was really cool. It consisted of a huge "let's say goodbye and thank Elder Yocum" from all the members who gave talks. For how hard it is sometimes, and as underappreciated I feel sometimes, it's awesome to see how much they really do notice what we do and sacrifice. I was very moved and touched by a lot of the comments said about "El Paraguayo Americano," and even shed some tears, I must say. I have been classed with Elder T (my Zone leader who was in Yobai about a year ago) as one of the elders who have tried really hard to learn Guarani so we could communicate well with our members.
I was very touched by the comments of Hermana L and Hermana G who both said, "A lot of elders have come and gone, a lot of good elders, who come into our homes and we can feel the spirit through them--but Elder Yocum is different. Not only is the spirit brought, but his love for us and for Paso Yobai can also be felt when he comes."
As hard as an area it is, mentally, physically, and emotionally. I love this area and these people.....And today, transfer calls came in.....
And my mouth dropped. It's so perfect....there's a lot of moving parts here that make it so cool so I'm going to try and explain it well.
So, Elder C has his interview in the US embassy to get his visa for the states tomorrow and soon after that will leave for the states, so for a while we thought I might just stay 5 cambios to train the next Paso Yobai missionary. The part that also sucked was our zone leader Elder T goes home tomorrow and was a big help with Yobai because he was serving there over a year ago as his area. There are 25 missionaries going home tomorrow, a big group, would they close Paso Yobai? We didn't know, it was a big guessing game, but now..... we know.
I got the call today that my new area is Coronel Oviedo. AWESOME. My new Companion....ELDER N FROM MY MTC GROUP. My new assignment, Zone Leader. WOW. I'm replacing Elder T. WHICH MEANS...
I am companions with one of my best friends in the mission, (yea, I'm sure that's dangerous) but, I'm the zone leader in the same zone as PASO YOBAI STILL. Which means every now and then I get to do divisions with the Elders in Paso Yobai and check in on converts and members and when Elder C has to leave, the elders there will have me to be able to help them out so they aren't alone.
Wow, our mission president is so smart, or just good at receiving the revelation. Yeah, I'm sure it's the second one.
The coolest part is there is actually stuff in Oviedo like McDonalds, places to shop, grocery stores, air conditioning, running water, houses actually made of real materials, people with teeth, you know, the luxuries of life .....kidding (kinda).
Super excited and PUMPED for this new chapter. Thanks again for the love and support.
Till next week,
Elder Yocum
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