Paradise. in Spanish: Paraíso.
Ok, so it's not exactly THAT awesome yet. But it is cooling down a TON. Only the high nineties today. What awesomeness. This morning we woke up at 4:00 so we could make it to an early morning temple trip. The Mesa temple is GORGEOUS inside and out. I have some pictures with Elder Moffitt too so I'll be sure to send those on the memory card soon.
So, now that it's cooling down, and sweat isn't coming off in buckets, tracting seems a bit more appealing. :) Rumor has it, the weather just gets better from here out. I remember President Lewis saying once you hit october, you're good until april
I picked up my bike today. It's a beast. and I mean that in the "suave cool sophisticated" way, not the "brute heavy ugly" way. It's a nice bike, and I got a good deal.
So, let me tell you about the week. It started at a thing called ZDM. In this, president reviewed our district numbers, talked, and some companionships did talks and trainings etc. I even got to do a discussion on why members are so important in lessons. So that was fun. President Bassett is SO awesome. He just knows EVERYTHING. I'm pretty sure he's high on the line-up to be an apostle/prophet some day. He's been a huge help and blessing.
How to kill a scorpion 101:
1) recognize there is a scorpion
2) recognize the scorpion is near
3) recognize there is a large stirring spoon even closer
4) take a firm hold of the large spoon
5) Hit scorpion with spoon
6) Repeat step 5 until dead, or you feel satisfied
there ya go mom! Love ya! By the way, at the temple this morning I ran into the missionaries that serve in Aunt Mel's ward. they were like "are you new?" "uh huh" "you know the Hodges?" "yup. aunt and uncle" "cool...they say hi" small mission huh? Also, the missionary who fell is all good. He has some INTENSE bandages, but he's alive, kicking, and already back into the work.
THE GONTH IS GOING TO BOISE!!!!! TREVOR you are totally going to OWN that place :) a bajizillion people are just waiting to be spiritually hit with what you have for them. 2 thumbs way way up.
At first, I thought about asking for a picture of Seralyn in her homecoming dress, then I realized that it'd be a HUGE distraction for my companions...however if you would like to send some family pictures (one with her included in dress), that's all I really need.
The work. Is good. We worked HARD this week. We had a ton of success, a ton of dissappointments. Even through dissappointment, the lord helps us and gives us strength. We had some investigators that fell through and don't want us to come over anymore, we extended some invitations to follow the example of Christ and be baptized and we were rejected, but I'm excited. Because 4 of those invitations were accepted. We have a family. Gustavo y fam. They all accepted to prepare to be baptized the 24th of october. We're really excited for them! Also, we had been teaching a guy named Pedro, and he was ready to get baptized but he was moving! so he "moved" then randomly showed up at church 2 weeks later and said the moving didn't work out. so he's all set to be baptized and receive the full pardon of his sins. That's why we're baptized. True it's for membership in the church, but really it's to apply the sacrifice that christ made for every one of us. I hope everyone remembers that.
This is already killer long, but I love you all, thanks for all your support. Thanks so much...so so much.
-Elder Morgan
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Once Upon a Time....
Ok.
Famili
Friends
other aquaintances
random people on the street who I don't know but somehow managed to get their hands on this:
hey, you never know right?
Important stuff: PLEASE make sure everyone knows to write written mail addressed to ELDER SHAE D MORGAN (there are 3 elder morgans here) and I just found out that a couple pieces of mail were sent to a wrong elder morgan, and I don't know when I'll be able to get them cause he's up by flagstaff or something. Soooo, thanks!
Questions:Answered:
no it wasn't REALLY J-lo. She was this really nice hispanic lady we tracted into and taught a lesson. She wasn't super interested, but hey, I tracted into J-lo.
Our apartment is slowly healing from the infestation. we're getting them gone.
ok. now about the work, then cool stories. Whew so much to do!!!
So this week was interesting and hard. Mostly because we had a lot of people fall through. We had 2 baptismal dates, then we found out that Miguel started drinking again, and said that he wouldn't give it up, but he'd call us when he's ready. :( We also had to drop the other person we had with a date for baptism, because he won't come to church, and told us he realized he's perfect and doesn't need to repent or be baptized. He won't listen or accept the scriptures that say we all must be baptized, so, he's just not ready. one day...one day...
On the flip side! we found some great people. We ran into an older guy named Gustavo. gustavo said he wasn't really interested, but his son (Gustavo Jr) only plays video games all day and might be interested. Gustavo the yonger now is reading and studying the book of mormon, and even the dad and mom are asking questions about prophets and why the book of mormon is so important. So we have great hope for them.
Francisca update: she said she'll prepare herself to be baptized, but doesn't want a date yet. We went over to her hosue with a member. Hermana Fonseca. GOLD! Hermana F is really in the same boat as Francisca and could easily relate to everything that's going on in her life, we left and Hermana F stayed to "chat"! Members are the best tools. To those at home who are members: Just talk with your neighbors. Go with the missionaries, maybe you'll make a new friend.
Tell Garrett I love him. I bet it's been a heck of a week for him at the MTC. He'll love it.
I've been thinking alot about English Elders. The more I think, the more I think of how lucky they are. They can use language and express feelings and emotions and experiences. From day 1. I'm pretty jealous of the extra time they get to share the gospel. It also makes me want to learn spanish better so I can just DO IT, but it doesn't come in a week of study. Takes time, and I don't think I'll ever get as proficint in spanish as I am in english. (even though I can't spell words like proficint...or whatever) Lots of people rag on those speakin english. I'd like to rag on those raggers. The English missionaries get a LOT more done than the spanish elders. At least here. from day one they can communicate more and be less focused on words and more in touch with the spirit. My wish is that everyone who reads this part of this letter realizes that a call to Omaha Nebraska english speaking is JUST as important as one to Hong Kong. Anyone reading this with a call already who's thinking "I'm going english stateside, or just stateside" when people ask you where you're going and you say "Mesa Arizona" and they go "been there, seen that" you say "Darn right, and there are just as many souls there needing to be led to the Gospel as any other place in the world." I guess I'm making a big deal about this because I got it a lot before I left to come here, and I just wanted people to see my mission how I saw it. And now I see REALLY that it doesn't matter. So maybe next call announced to Idaho, or New Jersey, go up to that elder and be excited! because we should be! The gospel is going to all the world. The US is part of that world. :) ok I'm done with that. now...about the language...
Spanish update: I'm speaking pretty well, for a new guy. At least that's what they tell me. I'm still skeptical. "Why?" you may ask. MAYBE it's the funky looks I get from people still when I say something I THINK is spanish, but DEFINITELY doesn't work, or make sense. The other day I tried to tell someone that I thought their pet bird was WAY cool, and evidently I insulted it. yeah, I don't know how that works. Also, I don't understand mexican humor. Mainly because I don't think it exists, but they sure think it does.
Ok. SWEET story time/info about Phoenix.
All the water here tastes like dirt unless it's purchased. Even at the church buildings.
I'm actually getting a little tan.
I saw my first scorpian today.
I killed my first scorpian today. (it was in our house)
There are these VILE little candy things that are sugary, and then mixed with the sweet are ground up chiles (peppers) so it's a spicy sugar...it's nasty, but they swear I'll get used to it.
there are lots of pigeons here. they are as stupid as the movies make them seem
there are something like 10 drive-thru liquor stores here. yeah, DRIVE-THRU + LIQUOR shouldn't work out. America makes no sense.
Story time:THIS MORNING THE CRAZIEST THING HAPPENED! We woke up at 4:30 (ugh) to go climb Camelback Mountain (yes we had permiso) so we went and on the way down, we were waiting for the rest of the elders when suddenly! BAM four fire trucks, ambulance, rescue vehicles, and a lifeflight helicopter. I KNOW RIGHT?! intense...so an elder got a little anxious on the way down the mountain and was jogging a little too fast down a steep incline...tripped, head injury, cut up everywhere and a gash in his side. He was conscious through it all and in fact his first question was "is my camera alright?" Some of the missionaries with him are EMT's so they took care of him best they could until they could get him out, but that was SO intense! I have pictures and video of the helicopter and everything.
Moral: Don't run faster than you have the strength for. :)
Moral 2: Just cause your a missionary, doesn't make you invincible.
Thanks mom for the story, it's a good one. Thanks everyone for your support. I love and care about you all mucho.
-Elder Morgan
Famili
Friends
other aquaintances
random people on the street who I don't know but somehow managed to get their hands on this:
hey, you never know right?
Important stuff: PLEASE make sure everyone knows to write written mail addressed to ELDER SHAE D MORGAN (there are 3 elder morgans here) and I just found out that a couple pieces of mail were sent to a wrong elder morgan, and I don't know when I'll be able to get them cause he's up by flagstaff or something. Soooo, thanks!
Questions:Answered:
no it wasn't REALLY J-lo. She was this really nice hispanic lady we tracted into and taught a lesson. She wasn't super interested, but hey, I tracted into J-lo.
Our apartment is slowly healing from the infestation. we're getting them gone.
ok. now about the work, then cool stories. Whew so much to do!!!
So this week was interesting and hard. Mostly because we had a lot of people fall through. We had 2 baptismal dates, then we found out that Miguel started drinking again, and said that he wouldn't give it up, but he'd call us when he's ready. :( We also had to drop the other person we had with a date for baptism, because he won't come to church, and told us he realized he's perfect and doesn't need to repent or be baptized. He won't listen or accept the scriptures that say we all must be baptized, so, he's just not ready. one day...one day...
On the flip side! we found some great people. We ran into an older guy named Gustavo. gustavo said he wasn't really interested, but his son (Gustavo Jr) only plays video games all day and might be interested. Gustavo the yonger now is reading and studying the book of mormon, and even the dad and mom are asking questions about prophets and why the book of mormon is so important. So we have great hope for them.
Francisca update: she said she'll prepare herself to be baptized, but doesn't want a date yet. We went over to her hosue with a member. Hermana Fonseca. GOLD! Hermana F is really in the same boat as Francisca and could easily relate to everything that's going on in her life, we left and Hermana F stayed to "chat"! Members are the best tools. To those at home who are members: Just talk with your neighbors. Go with the missionaries, maybe you'll make a new friend.
Tell Garrett I love him. I bet it's been a heck of a week for him at the MTC. He'll love it.
I've been thinking alot about English Elders. The more I think, the more I think of how lucky they are. They can use language and express feelings and emotions and experiences. From day 1. I'm pretty jealous of the extra time they get to share the gospel. It also makes me want to learn spanish better so I can just DO IT, but it doesn't come in a week of study. Takes time, and I don't think I'll ever get as proficint in spanish as I am in english. (even though I can't spell words like proficint...or whatever) Lots of people rag on those speakin english. I'd like to rag on those raggers. The English missionaries get a LOT more done than the spanish elders. At least here. from day one they can communicate more and be less focused on words and more in touch with the spirit. My wish is that everyone who reads this part of this letter realizes that a call to Omaha Nebraska english speaking is JUST as important as one to Hong Kong. Anyone reading this with a call already who's thinking "I'm going english stateside, or just stateside" when people ask you where you're going and you say "Mesa Arizona" and they go "been there, seen that" you say "Darn right, and there are just as many souls there needing to be led to the Gospel as any other place in the world." I guess I'm making a big deal about this because I got it a lot before I left to come here, and I just wanted people to see my mission how I saw it. And now I see REALLY that it doesn't matter. So maybe next call announced to Idaho, or New Jersey, go up to that elder and be excited! because we should be! The gospel is going to all the world. The US is part of that world. :) ok I'm done with that. now...about the language...
Spanish update: I'm speaking pretty well, for a new guy. At least that's what they tell me. I'm still skeptical. "Why?" you may ask. MAYBE it's the funky looks I get from people still when I say something I THINK is spanish, but DEFINITELY doesn't work, or make sense. The other day I tried to tell someone that I thought their pet bird was WAY cool, and evidently I insulted it. yeah, I don't know how that works. Also, I don't understand mexican humor. Mainly because I don't think it exists, but they sure think it does.
Ok. SWEET story time/info about Phoenix.
All the water here tastes like dirt unless it's purchased. Even at the church buildings.
I'm actually getting a little tan.
I saw my first scorpian today.
I killed my first scorpian today. (it was in our house)
There are these VILE little candy things that are sugary, and then mixed with the sweet are ground up chiles (peppers) so it's a spicy sugar...it's nasty, but they swear I'll get used to it.
there are lots of pigeons here. they are as stupid as the movies make them seem
there are something like 10 drive-thru liquor stores here. yeah, DRIVE-THRU + LIQUOR shouldn't work out. America makes no sense.
Story time:THIS MORNING THE CRAZIEST THING HAPPENED! We woke up at 4:30 (ugh) to go climb Camelback Mountain (yes we had permiso) so we went and on the way down, we were waiting for the rest of the elders when suddenly! BAM four fire trucks, ambulance, rescue vehicles, and a lifeflight helicopter. I KNOW RIGHT?! intense...so an elder got a little anxious on the way down the mountain and was jogging a little too fast down a steep incline...tripped, head injury, cut up everywhere and a gash in his side. He was conscious through it all and in fact his first question was "is my camera alright?" Some of the missionaries with him are EMT's so they took care of him best they could until they could get him out, but that was SO intense! I have pictures and video of the helicopter and everything.
Moral: Don't run faster than you have the strength for. :)
Moral 2: Just cause your a missionary, doesn't make you invincible.
Thanks mom for the story, it's a good one. Thanks everyone for your support. I love and care about you all mucho.
-Elder Morgan
Phoenix: Where People Talk to Trees (Part 2)
Hola Familia y Amigos,
So, don't freak out, sorry this isn't coming on Tuesday, but rather on Wednesday. We had ZONE CONFERENCE! basically for 6 horus on Tuesday so P-day was moved to MONDAY then we realized that Monday was Laborday and the library would be closed so we couldn't e-mail so we changed P-Day to WEDNESDAY. Thus here am I writing on this day.
Sooo I'm alive. All is well in Zion. Let us start off with some experiences shall we? This week I saw lots of CrAzY stuff. We talked to a completely trashed guy named José. he was drunk, and in this state decided that it was ok to talk with me and Elder Nicholas, but that Elder Moffitt was a bad guy who had to stand like 15 feet away or else Jose got a little aggressive. Elder Nicholas and I talked with him and gave him a card with our number so if he ever wanted to change his life he could let us know.
Crazy experience 2: Soddom and Gummorah. So there are twin apartment complexes. We had a referral in one, so we were going there and we stopped to talk to some people. Person #1: "Hey how are you doing today?" "Oh shut up and leave me alone I'm having a bad day (swear words excluded)" "alright! have a great day!" Person #2 "Hey how are you doing today?" "Just leave me alone and burn in *dwelling place of Satan*, I gotta go get my umbrella"
We then proceeded to get hit on by some gay guys, someone threw a beer bottle at us, and we got a lot of shouts and curses. BUT. I think we found the righteous family in there. They are really nice, and accepted our commitments for them, so we'll see how that goes. In our car we have a sign that says "blessed are they who are persecuted for my name's sake..." that's so true. People know who we are, Satan knows who we are. Doesn't it just make sense then that he's gonna throw what he has to get us to halt? Thus it's so necesary to have the sheild, sword, helmet, and other parts of the armor of God.
So, I had my first REAL mexican tamales. I dunno how to write that, but that's my guess. They were mas o menos spicy, and pretty darn good. Something I love about it here, is every dessert, is fruit and coolwhip all chopped and mixed up. it's AWESOME! and not too unhealthy.
A cool experience I wanted to share. I have a CTR ring that spins and has the initials for CTR in 7 languages. The ward mission leader (Hector) has the same one! neat thing, it's his wedding ring. They didn't have a lot of money when they got married, but they decided to spend the money and choose to get 2 ctr rings to always wear. I thought that was WAY cool and sweet of them.
Another thing, I tracted into Jennifer Lopez. Yeah, everyone be jealous. :)
There's a really annoying pattern that's happened here. We've set 2 baptismal dates. and then they move. out of our area. out of our mission. I guess it's all good, cause they're choosing God's path, but still, I'd like to baptize them, being my first investigators. Anyhow, we have 2 more dates set, and we'll see how those go! Pray for Miguel Muñoz. He has a date, but he's not sure he'll be able to keep it, because of his friends peer pressuring him to drink. We'll be praying for him though.
So the neighbors of the Branch President are really progressing well! they came to church on sunday (José and Emma) and they said they loved the feeling they felt there. We testified that it was the Holy Ghost confirming that it was God's church. They accepted to prepare to be baptized and would pray to know the answer. We're checking up on them soon this week.
We cleaned our apartment this morning. Cockroach free right now. It's amazing how much easier it is to focus when there's a clean house. Ding ding ding, temples. Ding ding ding, bodies. When we keep our temples, or bodies and minds, clean, it's so much easier to focus. And not only on spiritual things! the lord promises us that our understanding will increase, so we'll be able to learn normal things better too!
This week in Zone conference we talked about having a "Waters of mormon". this is the place or setting when we received our own personal witness of the Savior, or the church, or any other really significant spiritual impression. I invite everyone to write down in their journals where their place like that is. It was a neat experience for me.
It's starting to cool down, it was only 102 yesterday, so I think the worst is behind. :) I love you all. thanks so much for your support.
-Elder Morgan
speaking of which, can you make sure people address their letters to "Elder Shae Morgan" They need the first name in case we get another Elder Morgan. Not a big thing, but whenever you get the chance, that'd be good to put up on the blog or something.
So, don't freak out, sorry this isn't coming on Tuesday, but rather on Wednesday. We had ZONE CONFERENCE! basically for 6 horus on Tuesday so P-day was moved to MONDAY then we realized that Monday was Laborday and the library would be closed so we couldn't e-mail so we changed P-Day to WEDNESDAY. Thus here am I writing on this day.
Sooo I'm alive. All is well in Zion. Let us start off with some experiences shall we? This week I saw lots of CrAzY stuff. We talked to a completely trashed guy named José. he was drunk, and in this state decided that it was ok to talk with me and Elder Nicholas, but that Elder Moffitt was a bad guy who had to stand like 15 feet away or else Jose got a little aggressive. Elder Nicholas and I talked with him and gave him a card with our number so if he ever wanted to change his life he could let us know.
Crazy experience 2: Soddom and Gummorah. So there are twin apartment complexes. We had a referral in one, so we were going there and we stopped to talk to some people. Person #1: "Hey how are you doing today?" "Oh shut up and leave me alone I'm having a bad day (swear words excluded)" "alright! have a great day!" Person #2 "Hey how are you doing today?" "Just leave me alone and burn in *dwelling place of Satan*, I gotta go get my umbrella"
We then proceeded to get hit on by some gay guys, someone threw a beer bottle at us, and we got a lot of shouts and curses. BUT. I think we found the righteous family in there. They are really nice, and accepted our commitments for them, so we'll see how that goes. In our car we have a sign that says "blessed are they who are persecuted for my name's sake..." that's so true. People know who we are, Satan knows who we are. Doesn't it just make sense then that he's gonna throw what he has to get us to halt? Thus it's so necesary to have the sheild, sword, helmet, and other parts of the armor of God.
So, I had my first REAL mexican tamales. I dunno how to write that, but that's my guess. They were mas o menos spicy, and pretty darn good. Something I love about it here, is every dessert, is fruit and coolwhip all chopped and mixed up. it's AWESOME! and not too unhealthy.
A cool experience I wanted to share. I have a CTR ring that spins and has the initials for CTR in 7 languages. The ward mission leader (Hector) has the same one! neat thing, it's his wedding ring. They didn't have a lot of money when they got married, but they decided to spend the money and choose to get 2 ctr rings to always wear. I thought that was WAY cool and sweet of them.
Another thing, I tracted into Jennifer Lopez. Yeah, everyone be jealous. :)
There's a really annoying pattern that's happened here. We've set 2 baptismal dates. and then they move. out of our area. out of our mission. I guess it's all good, cause they're choosing God's path, but still, I'd like to baptize them, being my first investigators. Anyhow, we have 2 more dates set, and we'll see how those go! Pray for Miguel Muñoz. He has a date, but he's not sure he'll be able to keep it, because of his friends peer pressuring him to drink. We'll be praying for him though.
So the neighbors of the Branch President are really progressing well! they came to church on sunday (José and Emma) and they said they loved the feeling they felt there. We testified that it was the Holy Ghost confirming that it was God's church. They accepted to prepare to be baptized and would pray to know the answer. We're checking up on them soon this week.
We cleaned our apartment this morning. Cockroach free right now. It's amazing how much easier it is to focus when there's a clean house. Ding ding ding, temples. Ding ding ding, bodies. When we keep our temples, or bodies and minds, clean, it's so much easier to focus. And not only on spiritual things! the lord promises us that our understanding will increase, so we'll be able to learn normal things better too!
This week in Zone conference we talked about having a "Waters of mormon". this is the place or setting when we received our own personal witness of the Savior, or the church, or any other really significant spiritual impression. I invite everyone to write down in their journals where their place like that is. It was a neat experience for me.
It's starting to cool down, it was only 102 yesterday, so I think the worst is behind. :) I love you all. thanks so much for your support.
-Elder Morgan
speaking of which, can you make sure people address their letters to "Elder Shae Morgan" They need the first name in case we get another Elder Morgan. Not a big thing, but whenever you get the chance, that'd be good to put up on the blog or something.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Phoenix - Week 1 Report
Soooooo,\
Phoenix is weird. There are TONS of just absolutely intense people. Dad always used to say that the sun will fry your brains, and I think I'm gaining testimony of that. Among all the insanity though are people who are wanting to learn, cheerful, happy, prepared people. Por ejemplo, Francisca Mendoza. She is a referral from someone else (we don't know who) and we showed up on her doorstep and she instantly welcomed us in and in 2 minutes had ice cold lemonade in front of us. Miracle? we think so. Then she said she was ready to learn more of whatever we were giving Sandra. Small problem. we have NO clue who Sandra is. haha! So after a bit more explanation, we determined that the english elders in the area had tracted into Sandra, and they were teaching her, when she suggested that her mom would want to learn more too, however her mom didn't speak Spanish. Guess what?! We do :) sooo they sent the referal our way and now we can teach Francisca. We whipped out a huge can of Spirit with the first lesson and it was great and she got it and was smiling and understanding and asked us to come back and teach more!! so we shall.
Story with a Moral:
Once upon a time these three elders were walking through Phoenix when all of the sudden they decided to go introduce the new guy to the Branch president. Good idea right? so we go there, and the next door vecinos (neighbors) are sitting outside. Turns out they're really intesrested in learning more...the neighbors...of the branch president...
ok. moral time. Talk with people. Sometimes the people that want to learn more are our next door neighbors, and they just don't know that you have what you have. If you're reading this and aren't Mormon, maybe you should talk wi th your neighbors or mormon friends...maybe you'll find out why they're just so happy, and you can learn for yourself how to gain a greater measure of joy in this life. Just a suggestion.
Mom, little shout out, I heard a ringtone today and it struck me as oddly familiar, then it hit me...TAP DANCE. yeah so I thought that was cute.
Questions answered: I have 2 companeros because they're looking to split our area since it's awesome and there's a ton of people, so they're making a trio so next transfer or 2 we'll have another set of spanish elders here.
No I don't forget I'm in the US. It's not that spanish everywhere, but it is pretty spanish. Here at the library, all the signs and notices are in english and spanish, but I'm definitely still in the US.
Sorry President, we have the North side of phoenix. Camelback road from 51 to 17 are the east/west boundries and it goes north about 3 blocks and south to Thomas road. Small little area. lots of spanish people. REALLY hot. Love it. Speaking of heat, we hit a new high for me! 116 degrees. mmmmm mmmm good. So yeah I sweat a lot but it's all good in the hood! I'm getting a bike today so I'm sure I'm gonna love all that goodness.
President Bassett is from around AZ, he is pretty young, their oldest is a daughter a year or so younger than me and they have a 5 year old or something too so he's been president at least 2 years, so he'll be switching halfway through mine. He's SO AWESOME though. He was supposed to be president of guatemala mission, but the prophet himself called him to change his mission call...neat huh. Proof that this mission is AWESOME. :)
My apartment? Let's just say I have some pictures I'll send home to explain that. :) Well for a little preview, every night when we come home we have a mini-matanza which means "killing". We grab our trusty swords (spoons) and turn on the lights and kill as many cucarachas as we can. we hit about....15? each night. so we're pretty well infested, we're getting some traps though so that should help. we're gonna beat those little buggers! Also the people above us and on either side smoke weed a LOT so it leaks into our apartment the smell. So we have air fresheners galore to help us out with that. I have a really nice shower though it's hot and really pressurized, something I haven't seen for 2 months at the MTC.
I'm used to the routine, it's hard work, and I'm really tired, but I'm really doing alright. It's worth it to see people smile and say sincerely "thanks for teaching me this, see you next time". People really just don't know...but they're going to!
Language update: Well it's better than last week? I'm still having a rough time understanding people, but I'm told I speak pretty well. So I'm able to express myself, problem is half the time I only half know what they are saying back. I can ask GREAT questions....I just don't really get the answer :) thank goodness for companions! They say there's about a 3 month breaking in period where misioneros learn to understand people. I'm praying it'll only take 2 more weeks. God can do it right? :)
The members here are great and I'm having REAL mexican spicy food!! it's way hot...but I'm learning to get used to it already...the hotter the better. I'm gonna head out, feel free to ask questions next week. I love answering them. Make sure people know to send letters to my mission address, they forward it to me at my apartment wherever I am.
I'm gonna write to president now. Love you all so much, thanks for your support and love and care.
-Elder Morgan
Phoenix is weird. There are TONS of just absolutely intense people. Dad always used to say that the sun will fry your brains, and I think I'm gaining testimony of that. Among all the insanity though are people who are wanting to learn, cheerful, happy, prepared people. Por ejemplo, Francisca Mendoza. She is a referral from someone else (we don't know who) and we showed up on her doorstep and she instantly welcomed us in and in 2 minutes had ice cold lemonade in front of us. Miracle? we think so. Then she said she was ready to learn more of whatever we were giving Sandra. Small problem. we have NO clue who Sandra is. haha! So after a bit more explanation, we determined that the english elders in the area had tracted into Sandra, and they were teaching her, when she suggested that her mom would want to learn more too, however her mom didn't speak Spanish. Guess what?! We do :) sooo they sent the referal our way and now we can teach Francisca. We whipped out a huge can of Spirit with the first lesson and it was great and she got it and was smiling and understanding and asked us to come back and teach more!! so we shall.
Story with a Moral:
Once upon a time these three elders were walking through Phoenix when all of the sudden they decided to go introduce the new guy to the Branch president. Good idea right? so we go there, and the next door vecinos (neighbors) are sitting outside. Turns out they're really intesrested in learning more...the neighbors...of the branch president...
ok. moral time. Talk with people. Sometimes the people that want to learn more are our next door neighbors, and they just don't know that you have what you have. If you're reading this and aren't Mormon, maybe you should talk wi th your neighbors or mormon friends...maybe you'll find out why they're just so happy, and you can learn for yourself how to gain a greater measure of joy in this life. Just a suggestion.
Mom, little shout out, I heard a ringtone today and it struck me as oddly familiar, then it hit me...TAP DANCE. yeah so I thought that was cute.
Questions answered: I have 2 companeros because they're looking to split our area since it's awesome and there's a ton of people, so they're making a trio so next transfer or 2 we'll have another set of spanish elders here.
No I don't forget I'm in the US. It's not that spanish everywhere, but it is pretty spanish. Here at the library, all the signs and notices are in english and spanish, but I'm definitely still in the US.
Sorry President, we have the North side of phoenix. Camelback road from 51 to 17 are the east/west boundries and it goes north about 3 blocks and south to Thomas road. Small little area. lots of spanish people. REALLY hot. Love it. Speaking of heat, we hit a new high for me! 116 degrees. mmmmm mmmm good. So yeah I sweat a lot but it's all good in the hood! I'm getting a bike today so I'm sure I'm gonna love all that goodness.
President Bassett is from around AZ, he is pretty young, their oldest is a daughter a year or so younger than me and they have a 5 year old or something too so he's been president at least 2 years, so he'll be switching halfway through mine. He's SO AWESOME though. He was supposed to be president of guatemala mission, but the prophet himself called him to change his mission call...neat huh. Proof that this mission is AWESOME. :)
My apartment? Let's just say I have some pictures I'll send home to explain that. :) Well for a little preview, every night when we come home we have a mini-matanza which means "killing". We grab our trusty swords (spoons) and turn on the lights and kill as many cucarachas as we can. we hit about....15? each night. so we're pretty well infested, we're getting some traps though so that should help. we're gonna beat those little buggers! Also the people above us and on either side smoke weed a LOT so it leaks into our apartment the smell. So we have air fresheners galore to help us out with that. I have a really nice shower though it's hot and really pressurized, something I haven't seen for 2 months at the MTC.
I'm used to the routine, it's hard work, and I'm really tired, but I'm really doing alright. It's worth it to see people smile and say sincerely "thanks for teaching me this, see you next time". People really just don't know...but they're going to!
Language update: Well it's better than last week? I'm still having a rough time understanding people, but I'm told I speak pretty well. So I'm able to express myself, problem is half the time I only half know what they are saying back. I can ask GREAT questions....I just don't really get the answer :) thank goodness for companions! They say there's about a 3 month breaking in period where misioneros learn to understand people. I'm praying it'll only take 2 more weeks. God can do it right? :)
The members here are great and I'm having REAL mexican spicy food!! it's way hot...but I'm learning to get used to it already...the hotter the better. I'm gonna head out, feel free to ask questions next week. I love answering them. Make sure people know to send letters to my mission address, they forward it to me at my apartment wherever I am.
I'm gonna write to president now. Love you all so much, thanks for your support and love and care.
-Elder Morgan
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