Preparing to Serve

If you've read the most recent post of Javich's, you know the travelling I've been up to in the past couple months (excluding the trip to New York; at that time I went back out to Utah and Colorado for the wedding of my old roommate, Ashley, in the Denver Temple. Along with Elder Javich, I must say it's been a wonderful summer. Even when I really didn't feel like driving any more (I don't know why we didn't make use of Michael Criton and Harry Potter books on CD earlier!), it was always such a treat to spend time with the people I love so much. Thank you for welcoming us into your homes. You are all such amazing, fun people to be around.

When one thinks about South American third-world countries, some common themes may come to mind, specifically the differences from life here in the USA, (I love this land!) such as language, intestinal inhabitants, and general living conditions. I've been preparing for the changes on all fronts.
One day, I received a mysterious message from an unidentified person at the MTC asap regarding my mission, merely instructing me to return the call. When I called back, slightly nervous,it was just to find out how little Spanish I remembered from high school for the sake of placement in language classes when I get there. I was also instructed to begin practicing reading aloud in Spanish in order to get used to hearing myself speak the language. Luckily, Elder Javich purchased un Libro de Mormon several years back, so I've been stumbling through that comprehending more all the time. I received help in this area from Michael and my friend, Clayton, who just returned from his mission. At some point when I was working with Clayton, he encouraged me to "slip into my brown skin", I think so as not to sound gringa. I'm not sure I can say I've been entirely successful, but the summer sun has helped me be less white than before. I've decided that theres' just some things you have to accept, though.
You know how people talk about getting sick down in Latin America, due to the different intestinal bugs? Yeah, I think I know a little better now, too. Don't worry-I'm okay now, whether it was a blessing of preparation or a side-effect of getting hopped up on exotic immunizations, such as yellow fever and typhoid. Shall we move on?
One thing Elder Javich has enjoyed teasing me about is the fact that I may not have hot water, or even running water for that matter, in some places in Ecuador. (Then he figured he shouldn't say too much about it, since he could very well end up on reservations for much of his time out and thus be in those exact lovely conditions. haha) This didn't seem too scary until we stayed at Michael's house, where there is not currently hot water (don't worry, it's okay). Michael is clearly fine with that arrangement, but Javich and I found that we were pansies who were rather afraid of the freezing water. So I practiced alternative methods in order to maintain cleanliness; I boiled 8 pans of water on the stove and forced some bath water to a happy state of warmth. Once the work was accomplished, I enjoyed my victory over the cold water for a long, relaxing time. I've also practiced not drinking the water from the tap by being here at Mom and Dad's house. The overwhelming taste and scent of sulfur really helped with that one.

Of course, I have been doing a lot more to prepare for a mission. This involved many things, such as giving the mandatory talks (one week right after another) at our two "home branches", in Burton and New Castle. The most important things are the everyday necessities, such as sincere prayer, scripture study (and Preach My Gospel), and learning to better feel and understand the Spirit's promptings. Going to the temple was an amazing, wonderful opportunity. Afterwards, I truly felt "endowed with power from on high"; I felt the difference right away, as if on a higher physical plane. I hope the reminder that you are all children of God helps you walk a little taller as Divine Princes and Princesses,too.

I'm getting set apart Thursday evening.(Whoopie!! Hooray!! The day is finally almost here!)If you forget to call me "Hermana" when we meet up in Utah, it's okay. I'll probably still respond to Daisy. :)