September 23, 2011

Well I finally made it to California. Only I'm not entirely sure I'm still in the United States. They sent me to the north side of Santa Ana, which I'm convinced was recently annexed by Mexico. EVERYONE here is Hispanic. I seriously haven't seen another white guy out on the streets yet. So I think that is pretty funny. My companion is Elder Z., from Chihuahua, Mexico. He is a pretty stinking good missionary. He knows just about everyone. I'm told he didn't know a word of English before his mission. He and I can communicate pretty well in English. As for the Spanish, I have learned that there is a HUGE difference between MTC Spanish and real native Spanish. I can hardly keep up. Everyone here talks so fast, it really throws me off big time. So now I'm have to pretty much start from scratch. Elder Z. is pretty patient with me and tries to help me out. But its a little frustrating right now. I think this is a least I've ever talked in a single week in my life. Hopefully it comes soon.

So they have us out on bikes in our area. Our area, Santa Ana 5 North, probably covers a couple square miles, but there are plenty of people to talk to here. Most of the homes here usually have at least 2 families in their little house. One house we teach, the C. family, has 2 separate sets of parents, and 2 other guys in their house. I think there are 11 people in that little house. I don't know how they all fit in one house. But they are super nice and always like to have us over. One of the other guys living with the C., Juan, is getting baptized this Saturday, in between conference sessions. So that's pretty cool.

So ya, I'm here, I'm confused, but I'm having fun and learning a lot. Hopefully the Spanish will come along soon. 

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS FOR THE FAMILY:

*Tell me all about your companion. Name, where from, how long has he
been out, are you two getting along ok?

Elder Z., from Chihuahua, Mex. He has been out a little more than a year and we are getting along just fine.

*Food. What are you eating for breakfast, lunch, dinner? Have you had
any dinner appointments? Cooking?

We usually have lunch and dinner at a member's house. I try to eat as much as I can choke down. The other day, we had subs, with all that nasty vegetable stuff. I tried to choke it down but I almost barfed all over. I do not know how people can eat that crap, the texture of a slimy sliced tomato slivering down my throat was more than I can handle. I don't really know what to do about that.

*Housing. Where is it located, what is it like, an apartment or
someone's basement, Furnishings, what's the neighborhood like?

We live in Villa del Sol in Santa Ana. Its like a set of apartments for low income families. As far as furnishing goes, there's not much. Looks like some nice DI pieces. As far as the neighborhood goes, I think I am the only whitey in town here.

*How was your first church experience today in CA? What was the ward
like? All Spanish?

Church was weird. It was all in Spanish. The chapel we go to is huge. I'm told it is the second biggest chapel in the world. It has 2 chapels, two floors, a full sized gym and an elevator. All separate from each other. The members were all pretty nice.

*How's the Spanish? Do you practice with your companion?

Hard. Everyone talks so fast, I can't believe it. But me and Elder Z. practice everyday.

*Contacts made? Members, prospective members, anyone whom you are their
first church contact?

We talk with a lot of people. We've only been invited in a couple of times. The first lesson always goes well, but when we come back in a day or so, they aren't interested anymore. Not sure why.

*Transportation. Do you guys have a car, need a bike, walking, public
transportation?

Bike. I haven't bought one yet, so I'm riding a member's. I would just go buy one, but Elder Z. doesn't want me to spend so much. Besides, I think he comes from a house where they don't have a lot, so I would feel weird throwing down a couple hundred on a bike.

*Any surprises? Things happen that they didn't prepare you for in the
MTC?

The language. So different. And I'm not sure what to do about the food.

*How are you feeling about this whole experience?

I feel pretty good. Its a little tough right now, but I think I expected it to be hard. So I'm not too overwhelmed right now.

*Do you go to the church building for General Conference?

Yes.
*Do you get to go to the temple?

Haven't heard anything about that yet.
*Do you need anything?
Maybe you could get a new stamp made with the mission office's address. That is where all the mail will go. Tell Sam to log into my Facebook and put the new address up.  

I really could use some food. Other than that, I think I'm good.