cockroaches among us

December 9, 2009

Dear Family,

First of all, what an awesome letter from Dad. It was neat to here about the Methodist church in the Congo. It sounds like it was very entertaining. But, next week I want to hear about the experience you had at customs in the airport.

Markie. Seriously, where are the pictures? I am very proud that you did your own hair and that your graham cracker house was a success.

Mom, please send me a copy of Grandpa's funeral CD. I am sure I can get permission to listen to it.

Well, I just got back from the Yunque. There was a member in the ward who was begging to take us there, and we just couldn't refuse. We fortunately live very close to the rainforest. It was really neat to see the awesome scenery and do it all the non-touristy style. We just went for a pleasant hike in the jungle. (I forgot my camera cord, so I will have to send a ton of pictures next week) Being in the Yunque made me think of the time we went to Puerto Rico as a family and with Tanya. We went to the same waterfall and I remembered everything so clearly from the last time we went. Fortunately this time it was overcast and cool all morning as opposed to the oppressive humidity I remember from our family vacation.

Just to give you an update, I have given up on the battle with the cockroaches that live in our car. The end result being that they are still happy and thriving, but our car now WREAKS of Raid. I also found a fatty cockroach roaming in our bathroom. I can kill the small ones, but Hermana Erekson had to rescue me from that one.

Hermana Erekson and I

I am loving the ward members here!!! They love to have us over and they are more than eager to feed us at any opportunity. I love it when they feed us fruit. The mangos here are divine. Hermana Erekson and I have really been focusing on working closely with the members and I think they are begining to get excited. A few members talked about missionary work and mentioned some of the ideas we have been sharing in testimony Sunday. We are really hoping for their help, because frankly we haven't been doing too well on our own. We have several investigators, but none of them are progressing or keeping their committments. It is frustrating that I can't make them see the importance of what we are teaching. They have to do it themselves.

I have also learned to NEVER-EVER-EVER bring up the term sickness with Puerto Ricans (that probably extends to more than just this culture). They love to go on and on about that. I made the mistake of mentioning one time that Christ took upon him our sicknesses. Literally 30 minutes later I was still regreting that decision. It amazes me at how much detail they are willing to share with us. My companion is studying nursing so generally it interests her, but it is overwhelming for me.

Me, Sister Erekson, Hermana Karolina Hernandez at the Yunque

I think the thing that has surprised me most about the mission is that the investigators are not black and white. I always thought that there would be people who were interested and people who were not. The scriptures always talk about separating the wheat from the tares,those are two distinct and separate things. I thought the difference would be much clearer, but it seems that everything is grey. I don't know if the people are disinterested or are just unaware. It is an interesting thought and situation. I sure am glad that the Lord can tell the difference, now the only problem is that somehow I have to get the answer from him.

The hardest thing is definitely not being able to be with the people I love. I feel like I have abandoned all of you. I know that a lot of hard things are happening at home, but I can't be there with any of you. I just want to cry with all of you, but I am an ocean apart. Please know that I keep all of you in my thoughts and my prayers.

Hermana Palmer

Family:

I am so excited to talk to you all on Chistmas! I am going to be calling in the home of la familia Ferrer. I picked them for two reasons. First, Hermana Ferrer is from Santiago, Chile so naturally I feel a strong bond with her. And Second, they are a family of 3 girls! I feel very at home with them. They have the same tranquil and gentle pace that I am accustomed to at home. I am so excited!

I don't know how I am going to send Christmas gifts to you all, we have absolutely no extra time. But I will do my best!

Some things I would like to request include recipes and headbands. I didn't even think to bring a recipe book. Anything would be appreciated.

By the way, they do have American milk here, but it is so expensive that I will probably use the nasty stuff. Fortunately there aren't any lumps in this milk! It isn't bad when I mix it in with my oatmeal.

Markie, I hope you enjoying your holiday dinner experience. You'll have to keep me up on all the romance that happens at the dinner. I know there will be. I still remember the time N. escorted me to the table....

And stay healthy Markie. What is your deal?

Love you all and look forward to hearing from you next week!!!