This last week has been such an interesting and crazy week! The time really goes by so much faster, it is crazy. Every week goes by and it is like my Spanish is exponentially better than the previous week. I can pretty much comprehend a native speaker almost perfectly, although Latinos talk wayyyy fast! I can communicate almost anything I want to say, but my speed is getting there. I have to correct myself sometimes, but for 3 weeks I feel decently confident. My only problem is we just started learning the different tenses, which before I could basically only speak in the present tense for conjugating.
Today all of the Latinos left the CCM and headed off to there missions, since they already speak Spanish they were only here for 3 weeks. It was sad to see them go because some of them were sooo funny and fun to talk with, but its excited that they get to get out of here and out in the real world haha. Only 3 weeks more for me!!
Today was surely an adventure! my favorite day by far. We woke up super early and went to the temple. Going to the temple was an awesome experience, especially listening to the session in Spanish. The spirit is very strong there, I love it every time I go. (For those with questions about the temple, feel free to ask haha!)
After the Temple, we loaded up on a bus, and left the prison gates of the MTC (lol its not a prison we just call it that) We barely get to leave here because we are basically studying and learning the language 24/7, so this was awesome for us. I took so many pictures and funny videos, I cannot send them while I am here in Guatemala because they said it would crash the computers, but I will for sure try and get them out in a few weeks!
Next we walked over to a local marketplace. So a little about Central America marketplaces for you guys. Marketplaces consist of small tiny shops with souvenirs (excuse my spelling errors, there is not spell check and I am typing as fast as I can) These shops have shirts, bags and everything is dirt cheap and authentically homemade. I pretty much wanted to buy everything I saw, but I also don't want to carry around stuff for 2 years. I will have plenty of other opportunities throughout my mission.
In the shops, Latinos see gringos walk in, and they see money signs. The currency here is 7 Quetzales to 1 Dollar in American currency, so everything is dirt cheap, so they try and up sell you everything. Nothing has price tags, so we were taught how to barter starting from 40 percent asking prices and trying to meet in the middle, so that was interesting! I got a really cool tie, and dropped it down 20 Q from the asking price, which in reality is like 2$ but oh well.
Afterwards, we hit up Wendy's. I can not tell you how amazing that was. The food in the MTC isn't bad, but it is still cafeteria food. Guatemala City has your regular fast food restaurants, but in my mission in Honduras, there will be more times where I am basically in the Jungle from what I have been told, so no worries, I will most likely be receiving an authentic experience. Still, Wendy's was dank.
The days feel like weeks here, but the weeks feel like days. I am very excited to leave here in 3 weeks, but I am having a good time here, and I am making the most of it because I need to learn as much Spanish as I can!
I know that I am exactly where God wants me to be right now. I have a love for the people of Honduras, and I haven't even been there yet. The people of South America are so humble and kind, it really puts perspective when you grew up in the bubble called the Woodlands haha.
I know that Christ lives, and loves each and every one of us. I know God helps us and answers our prayers, (I wouldn't be able to have learned what I have learned for a different language in 3 weeks if he didn't answer my prayers). One last thing I want to say is, if you are ever feeling alone, need help, ask a question to someone, turn to prayer. God listens and hears us, and if you pray with true intention, you will receive an answer. It has brought tremendous comfort and joy in my life. If you don't believe me, read John Chapter 1 verse 5 in the bible.
I love you all, I am so grateful for some of y'alls letters! I will do my very best to respond, I only get an hour a week to type but I love hearing from everyone, so continue to write me! See y'all in a week!
Elder Butler
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.