"You ate what?"

Well, guess who's back and healthier than ever?

 

This guy.

Well it was another awesome, crazy week. Like all, there were some really hard moments, a lot of really tired moments.  But I think this week the happier, spiritual, hilarious stories outweighed the others. It was a good week here in Oviedo people.

First of all, I had divisions in Paso Yobai this week. The 2 Paraguayans are killing it, and we learned Elder C will be with us for the rest of the transfer. I wasn't able to see LA that day, but it all worked out.  We had district conference, like stake conference, where there was a lot of talk about us becoming a stake (how cool is that?) but I was able to see LA there in Caaguazú. (HE WAS WEARING MY TIE) It was a very warm and sweet reunion with LA and all of Paso Yobai.

District Conference Coronel Oviedo

 

Two funny stories from the week.

We were coming back from Paso Yobai in collectivo (like public busses) and we had fallen asleep, but my companion Elder N got woken up because this very large lady had sat on his lap. Yeah, when there's no more seats, people have to stand in the aisle and she didn't like that at all so she just sat on his lap. Well, he didn't like that very much so he nudges her off and she has to stand, but what does she do? Make his life miserable to try and get him to just give her the seat. She is as close as humanly possible with my comp. Like there is no room for scriptures between them and I get woken up because he's like leaning on me trying to get as far away as he can.  Then on top of that, this lady starts talking SO LOUD in Guaraní, and not thinking we understand, STARTS TALKING SMACK ON US AND THE CHURCH. So, now we are both pissed. A little later they find seats and I'm wanting to say something to these people who have no idea that if I really did get paid for getting baptisms, I wouldn't be here in Paraguay. But what happens? The missionary comes out in me.  So, not saying anything to them I take out my hymn book and advance to the front of the bus, and in pure GUARANI (just so they know I understand everything they are saying--yeah their faces were horrified) I introduced myself and my companion, explained who we are, what we do, and that I wanted to sing for them. So, after 3 verses of "I Know that my Redeemer Lives," I sat back down, and it was crazy how much their countenances changed. They told me how well I sing (lies) and we had a pleasant convo in Guarani which they really enjoyed. It was just cool--earlier I just wanted to run 'em through the fire and drop cane. But it just shows there's always smoother and more effective ways of fixing relationships other than just calling out crazy old ladies.  Part of it is being humble enough on our part, I think. I had to eat a lot of pride in that collectivo.

The other funny story is from the branch president's house. We were having lunch with them and while the hermana cooked lunch and we were waiting we played with their son M, who is like 6. I don't remember how, but we started talking about Paso Yoabi and how I had eaten monkey when I was there.  Man, I wish you guys could have seen this kids face. Mouth open. "THAT'S SO GROSS, YOU ARE LYING! MOM, HE'S LYING." He was like freaking out! It was so funny, and his Mom joking, told him,  "When you go on your mission, you have to be ready to eat whatever they put on your plate, so for lunch today I made monkey pie so you can eat it and get used to it."  With mouth open, he looks at us then gets up and runs behind the couch and we hear him start to gag.  Then we hear VOMIT HIT THE FLOOR AND HE START CRYING, "BUT I DON'T WANT TO EAT MONKEY!"

HAHAHAHAHA WE LAUGHED SO HARD.

His Mom, so bugged, had to go over and explain that she was joking and it wasn't monkey pie. It was such a funny moment that Elder N made sure to snap a picture before she cleaned it up.

The mission is crazy and that's why I love it so much. Elder M who trained Elder N and has been home for a little over a month, came back and came to PY to visit.  We saw him and were able to talk for a bit. All he could talk about was how great the mission is, how much fun it is, and how much he wishes he could just go back. I testify of that. I love it, and am terrified of the day my stake president takes this tag off my chest.

Always and forever, 

Elder Yocum

with or without the tag

(but loving my days with)