So first topic: Spanish! Por fin!
The most amazing thing happened on Thursday! We have district language study on Thursdays right before district meeting since 2 of the district are from Mexico and almost everyone in the district was called Spanish speaking. So in the middle of language study, this man walks into the church (the church is normally locked when it's empty since its in the middle of downtown) and happens to find not only all of the missionaries for at least 50 miles in the same room, but all of the Spanish speaking missionaries for the entire Buffalo zone all in one room at the same time. His name was Francisco, and he's from Puerto Rico. He just walked in and said he wants to learn more about the church haha. He has family members who are Mormon and he promised them he would find the nearest church and be taught by missionaries. So cool! If he had come in at any other time during the week, no one would have been there, and if they had been there they wouldn't have been able to understand him. Incredible.
Last night we got someone to teach in Spanish! Her name is Elsa and she is from the Dominican Republic. She is Catholic, but very open. At the beginning of a Spanish lesson I always get pretty nervous because my tongue gets slow after so much time of not speaking, but it was nice to get back into the groove after a few minutes. Sister Thomas always leaves a little frustrated after any Spanish run ins because she has only had a little bit of training and there's only so much that study can do, but I'm grateful to have her! It's nice to have someone who can understand and speak- even if it's only limited. I am grateful also that I had a chance to learn the reverse with Sister Fetuli so that I could be more appreciative of Sister Thomas now :) Tongan apparently doesn't sound much like Spanish. Hmm.
This time next week I'll know if I get to stay in Buffalo or if I'll be moved! The Hill Cumorah Pageant and the 4th of July AND Sister Thomas' 23rd birthday will be within this transfer! Come on! I've gotta stay! It seems likely that I'll be moved back to the sites though since it's getting really busy and President wants more Spanish speakers there. We'll see. The nice thing is, I'm sure whatever happens will be good. I am slowly learning from Philippians 4:11!
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Other news! Sister Thomas decided I needed a half birthday party! I am now 22 and a half, thank you. Ahem. How did we celebrate, you ask? Apple pie of course! It was glorious. Sister Thomas is the best.
Happy Birthday to my darling McKenna Maye! And a huge happy birthday to Mama Donna! I'm so grateful for the both of you in my life. SO blessed up here.
Something else that happened this week! We went and visited this little lady from church who is from Puerto Rico. She is kind of known as being a LITTLE crazy. She has mulitple screlosis and has been through quite a bit with her family, so sometimes she comes of as...a little bold. We cleaned her birdcages, cooked lunch, and Sister Thomas in her infinite mercy changed and cleaned her. Sometimes when people demand help it's harder to be so willing to give it, but after all was said and done and we watched thishttp://youtu.be/wz41YxNiHEg
Well, friends. That's all I can remember for now. Tune in next week to find out where I'll be! Se cuidan!
Hermana Ray
