This was one of the weeks where almost every single thing we planned fell through. Like last night for example. We were planning on splitting up and going with members to visit lots of people. We were planning on having a total of 8 lessons. Then there was a long meeting, confusion about our ride to dinner, one person who was going to come with us got sick, and the other one was no longer available because the time was pushed back. Some days, all we can say is that we made it through.
We had a pretty funny and awkward phone call Saturday night. We were calling a bunch of our friends, reminding them to come to church. I was on the phone with one lady we are teaching who has been having some serious family problems, especially with her boyfriend. It is getting to the fix-things-or-kick-him-out point. Unfortunately, my companion thought I was on the phone with a different lady from the Ward whose husband has been in the hospital for a chemo treatment. The translates conversation went like this:
Me: Hi Hermana, how are you? How have you been?
Friend: Good, how are you?
Me: Good! Do you think you will be able to make it to church tomorrow?
Friend: Probably.
Me: Great!
Companion: *whisper* Ask her how her husband is.
Me: *confused look*............um, how is your husband?
Friend: He is good, thanks.
Companion: Ask when he is going to leave.
Me: *confused and alarmed look*
Companion: What? Ask her when he is going to leave.
Me: So.....um.....when is he going to leave?
Friend: What? When is who going to leave?
Me: *gives up, hand phone to companion*
Companion: *takes phone, sees the name, turns red, feels instant regret, hands phone back*
Me: *understands what happened, tries not to burst out laughing* I mean....how is your son? Is he back from Mexico?"
Friend: Oh, yes, he just got back.
Me: Great! Well, see you tomorrow! Bye.
I hung up and we both laughed for so long. Who would have thought that meaning to say "When is your husband leaving the hospital?" could be taken as "When are you kicking your husband out?" Luckily, we can usually use poor Spanish skills as an excuse.
On Friday, I got to go back to one of my old areas. Apparently, almost every single person I have ever taught has moved. I did find out something amazing though. I know a family there that we only taught a few times. They are a great family, and they love missionaries. On Saturday, after 18 years of marriage, 4 kids, and a variety of struggles, they finally made it to the temple to be sealed together for time and all eternity. It made me overjoyed to think that that beautiful family will last forever.
Really, that is what we want for everyone. That is why we are here.
The news was on while we were in the laundromat this morning, and the world looks like it is full of terrorism and commercialism, with some Star Wars music in the background when the topic changes. What a mess.
I thought, "Maybe I should just stay out here forever." It is sometimes hard, but it is probably the most rewarding thing I have ever done. Even if all of my efforts here had never affected
(effected?) anyone else, my time here has changed me. Y aquí estoy.
Have a good week!
Love,
Hermana Pace