July 21st 2008

My night went pretty well last night except for the fact that I drank to much water in the evening. However, I did get up with my alarm at eight even though I felt like I did not want to get out of bed this morning. Then I went downstairs to have a piece of bread a cup of water for breakfast. After breakfast I came back upstairs and went back to bed for awhile. Once I got up again I did my morning devotion and then got ready for my day. Since I was ready to go to Casa de Nazeret early, I took some time to organize myself and list items that I need to talk with Shawnee about, and Larry, and other tasks that I have to complete before I leave. Also, I remembered that I needed to send out an email so I went to do that. However, the internet was not functioning so I will have to wait until later to send the email. I forgot to mention three realizations that occurred yesterday. One was the fact that at church while talking with Bob, I realized that missionary work is a day by day, moment by moment type of work. This is interesting because I have been saying the prayer for serenity almost everyday in my morning devotion. Another observation I made after finishing my school work was a desire to work in a team setting. For most of my life since I am an only child, I was more than happy to do things on my own. Now, I think God is helping me to become more of a team player for His kingdom. Finally, last night Susanna made the comment that my hair is long and I knew that once my hair was long that my time would be close to being over. For the rest of the morning I took time to relax. While resting Adelina came to ask me about plans for lunch and I felt bad because I meant to tell her last night but I had forgotten. Before I knew it though, it was time for me to head out to the boy’s home. The truffi ride to the boy’s home was very tight which was uncomfortable for and the same for the micro as well which surprised me. I arrived in plenty of time and was greeted by Tom and then the boys came to greet me and tell me some bad news. One of the boys ran away from the school today. Also, Tom informed me that the family that had been staying at the boy’s home and I had been praying for would be leaving because the mother had an operation that was successful. She had her check-up today and the doctor said that all the cancer was gone and that it did not spread as well. Then I ate lunch with the boys; I had fried liver with rice and cucumbers. After lunch, the boys did their chores and then it was time for homework. While the boys did their chores, all the missionaries agreed that we needed to play another game of soccer against the boys and so we are going to play tomorrow. Today, during the homework period I helped this one boy with his math homework. Then he had to read these stories three times and then explain to me the concepts and actions of one of the stories. So to help him read we took turns reading a page and then at the end he was able to explain the story very well in detail. I think reading the story with him help me with my Spanish just as much as me helping him read. At the end of the homework period two other boys came to me to explain the stories they read. When homework was over, it was time for more Frisbee games for the boys. The two games went better than the last games I was told. Also, during the games I had a good talk with some other missionaries about how the boys are improving in school with our help. One unfortunate action that happened during one of the games is that two of the boys got into a fist fight which is the first fight I have seen at the home. They had to be separated and then they were talked to while another missionary and I walk the rest of the group back to the house. Upon returning to the house, I helped the other missionaries calculate scores and discuss who we thought would win the tournament. The boys then had to do their chores, shower, and then get ready for dinner. So I left to head home to the house. On the way back to the house Quique and Adelina got on the same truffi as me. That means I had someone to talk with and walk home with. I also met one of Luigi’s math teachers as well so the whole way home I had the opportunity to practice my Spanish while having a conversation about the United States. He knew about California and a little bit about Pennsylvania. When I returned to the house, I met two new students who will be here for two weeks to study Spanish. We then had dinner which was chicken, pasta with peas and carrots in a gravy, and a potato. During dinner and the rest of the evening I talked with the new students to find out more about them, to explain what I am doing here, I also tried to be as helpful as possible and inform them about customs and other helpful tips. Then I let them look at a map that I was given to help them know where they had been and where they are going. Susana is even letting me help her by letting me show them how to get to the language school on Wednesday when I go. She arranged to have them take a taxi to and from the language school tomorrow. After dinner and talking with the new students I came back to my room to relax for awhile before getting ready to go to bed. While relaxing I was able to send the email that I tried to send earlier today and could not. Then I did my night time devotion, showered, and went to bed.