I would like you tell you about other failure in this country - it’s called “manzanas”
Thursday, September 9th, 2010Hola,
I think today is Labor Day. I’m kind of out of touch with those holidays. Anyways, how’s the Northland?
It’s been pretty warm here, which I’m not ready for. I still cringe thinking about the heat and humidity of last summer. Not a fan. All the sweating and no escape. But at night it’s been nice and I do some reading up on the roof, with a nice cool breeze.
Ok, I would like you tell you about other failure in this country. It’s called “manzanas”. The newer areas in which houses are located do the houses my block number and house number, hence “Manzana y Casa” even thought manzana means apple, that’s just what it’s called here. So we’ll have a direction like Manzana 45 Casa 4. And finding this, or rather trying to find this house is near impossible.
Needless to say, lots of walking in circles. Pointless circles. Till my knowledge (not sure if that works in English but in Spanish it does and I can’t remember the phrase in English ), I think that one block is one number like 45. Within this block there are houses with numbers. So once…with luck…you find the manzana then the hunt for the house commences.
They are in no order the manzanas, and are just thrown in there. Its seems like someone was numbering the manzanas and just decided to throw a 46 in here and an 87 in there. My heart starts to beat fast and my blood begins to flow. When you spend an entire morning looking for 2 people and not finding them, you just give up and leave their lost soul! It’s been a year-long suffering of mine, and I believe I will suffer one more year in this aspect.
Today we had a big Asado (BBQ) in the apartment with the Zone. We bought 200 pesos worth of meat. And yes, hungry 20 year olds can eat it all. After wards we played some Nerts and some other card games. I still carry some kind of skill. :-) We had a good time eating and chatting, and somehow the conversation gets shifted to girls — and the photos start to be shown and stories told.
In church we always have the classes first. Priesthood/ Relief Society, then Gospel Principles, then Sacrament meeting. We are never in class the first hour because we are out and about looking for those souls to get them to church. And then during sacrament meeting we sit next to our investies that are there. Yesterday we had 6 people, 2 fams, t’was a good day. And yes it’s all in Spanish mom!
The testimonies are good until the “usuals” get up and give their travel log and tell everyone their entire conversion story. I like the simply testimonies that are so humble and heart-felt. Those are the example to the rest who still haven’t figured it out, even after years in the Church. Some cane needs to be dropped…but with love.
We meet with the Bishopric every Thursday and talk about the obra (work). And every month we have the big meeting with all the Presidencies. The last one turned into a big blaming and arguing fest, there’s a lot of pride in this ward.
Yes, I do have those families whom I’m attached to. It happens when you have 6 months in one area. I will be returning to visit them. We usually have lunch set on Tues., Wed., Thurs., Sat., and Sun. It’s nice to eat with the members and build them up. That’s the reason we have lunch with the members. Also we sometimes have dinner…not a fan because we usually are booked in the nighttime.
My hardest challenge right now would be keeping my excitement for the work up. The word is “animo” in Spanish; I’m not sure how the phrase is. It would be the level of excitement I have to get out and do it. Some days I’m a little low and not to “go out and get them”. Attitude is everything. Some days I get discouraged and falter a little. My biggest challenge is keeping my attitude great EVERYDAY. Most days I’m all ready and get it done, and others I drag a little. But I’m learning how to keep my attitude up and excited.
I got the package today the was sent…without a letter.
But the step counter made me very happy! I’ll be letting you know how many steps I’ll be taking. Thank you for “not forgetting about your missionary” who loves letters and anything from home. I love you all and keep those testimonies sharp.
Elder Glanzer
Chao