Last Week in the CCM

The temple that's now opened

 

All the Nortes going to Barranquilla (the one to my left is Elder Eyring from Seattle who came in 2 weeks ago, and to his left is Elder Kennedy who was in the other district.)

Angel Moroni, now uncovered

This is La Sala Jose Smith. This is where we have sacrament meeting.

I'm up on the stand taking this picture, just so you know.

 

 

It's the last week in the CCM! It's so weird to think that in a week I'll be out in the field. I don't have flight plans yet, I think we start on that stuff on Saturday. We have two more lessons, one with each investigator. We were actually supposed to have another tonight, but they made our devotional tonight longer so only one companionship can do it. Which I'm sad about, because it's the one with Hermana DuVall, who yes, is President Duvall's wife. It's one of the unique things about the Colombia CCM; because it's so small, President and Hermana DuVall are really involved in things here. Other Elders in the District actually have President DuVall as an investigator. They both give really good feedback. We also have devotionals with them every Sunday, just the 17 Nortes and them. It's pretty great. I've learned a lot from them, especially effective ways to teach.

 

We got to go to the temple again today. It's pretty incredible to me that for the most part I could understand what was going on, even though it was in Spanish. Last week we had headphones for us Nortes. But not this week. A blessing of the Lord I guess.

 

As for this week, it's been strange. We are all feeling a little "trunky" but in reverse. We all want to be out in the field. It'll be weird because I've adjusted to the schedule here, it'll be weird to adjust to a new one. Hopefully it won't be too bad. This week has been weird, because hour by hour, it seems to drag. But then I'll look back and realize that it's 6 and I'm about to eat dinner. Then I'll think that it's Tuesday, even though I'm pretty sure that Tuesday was just 3 days ago. I can't say that these last 3 weeks feel like 1, but 2 weeks at the most. It's an odd feeling.

 

I've learned that if I concentrate really hard when people are speaking, I can understand most of what they're saying. But it takes a lot of focus and concentration. But it's pretty amazing to me that that happens. But everyone I've talked to who's been to Barranquilla says that 1. They talk really fast and 2. They cut off the ends of their words. So if I'm actually in Barranquilla, we will see how much I understand.
 

Oh yeah, I also learned that they don't do siesta here. So no time to recover strength or energy in the middle of the day. Hopefullyy I'll continue to adjust and be able to work more effectively through the tiredness. I also saw an empanada place today, so I know what I'm looking for in Barranquilla. Also, I've tried the arequipe stuff that Nikki's friends told us about, and it's incredible! It's so good. It's not overpoweringly rich though, which is pretty awesome. And I've heard that McDonalds actually has arequipe McFlurries, so I might have to make a stop in the airport...  And President DuVall told us that Colombians really love American stuff, so I've been hearing about all the American things I can find in Colombia. So far I've heard peanut butter, mcdonalds, burger king, kfc, and even (my favorite) Reeses peanut butter cups!

I don't know what the situation will be like next week. If it's like the last group, I'll probably go to the airport pretty early in the morning. I don't know if I'll be able or allowed to call from the airport like Jalen and Tyson were. I don't know if I'll get the chance to email once I'm in my area or in Barranquilla. We will just have to wait and see I guess.

 

I hope everything keeps going well and that you're all enjoying your time. I miss you guys a lot, but I know that this is where I should be, and I know that you're proud of me being here. Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts. I love you all!