I've been at the CCM for a week and I have 5 more days to go! Oh my goodness gracious! Where do I start?
Before I start, let me apologize if my English
skills are horrible. It has only been a week, but my writing, even
speaking, skills have flown out the window. It's even hard to pray in
English now. Writing in my journal each night practically ends in
disaster because I'm having to translate Spanish emotions into English
ones. I'll probably give up on that soon and just write in Spanish. I
thank my Heavenly Father for allowing me to be totally immersed in the
Latino culture because it has given me the opportunity to improve my
Spanish skills immensely and rapidly. Let's just hope I can write a real
letter that everyone can understand.
After my two lovely parents dropped me off the first
day, I found my companion and we went to work (that is, sit, learn, sit,
listen, sit and practice). My first emotions where: What have I done?!? There is only one other person from the United States in my zone (And guess
what! He's from Kaysville! I've never seen him before, but he went to
Davis and knows Pablo). Everyone else is from Mexico or South America,
which made the first day super overwhelming because I discovered that my
Spanish was rusty.
I have been greatly humbled here because I have had
to put my complete trust in the Lord. I was even more humbled when my
companion and I were made the equivalent of zone leaders, but in sister
form, for our stay at the CCM. I thought "the gringa? really? are you
sure???" I have had to ask for the Lord's help every second, bringing me
closer to him. It has also helped my Spanish skills because my
companion and I have had to talk to sisters, even some elders, to find
solutions to problems they were/are facing.
I finally know why I am supposed to be in the CCM
instead of the MTC. It is to learn from the people in my zone and
especially in my district. Each one of the Hermanas and Elderes have their
own story and reason for serving a mission. Many of them are the only
members in their family and many don't have the support of the parents
in choosing to serve. They are all so excited to serve the Lord! Their
examples have humbled me immensely and I have learned a lot from them.
I'm sorry that I don't have much time to write
today. My companion is begging me to leave so that we can play
volleyball. If only I could spend the whole afternoon writing!
Because of the shortage of time, I'll quickly share some of my thoughts for the week:
1. The CCM is a beautiful place (for reals) and the
food is great. I've visited the doctor once or twice (to take care of Montezuma's revenge) now so that I can continue to
enjoy the food ;)
2. Yes, my accent is made fun
of constantly. Oh well. It will go away eventually. I'm enjoying the
true Spanish accent as long as I can, before it goes away.
3. My companion, Hermana Rojas, is amazing. She's an
adorable girl from Veracruz who wants to be the best missionary
possible. We're both going to Ciudad Obregón and it will be great to see
her out in the field.
4. Classes are full of gospel doctrine, how to teach
lessons, and hours upon hours of practice. It's all in Spanish and I
received no Spanish help books upon arriving at the CCM. To learn how to
use subjunctive and stuff, I'm going to get some grammar books later
this afternoon. That way, I'll be perfect at speaking by tomorrow ;)
5. Someone I look up to a lot gave me a wonderful
scripture before I entered the MTC. It is D&C 58:3-4, and it has
helped me more than anything else this week, especially the first day.
I've also been able to share it almost every day with the missionaries
in my district. It has been a great help and read it all the time.
6. I'm glad the family is doing great! Tell Aunt Wendy and her family hello for me! I can't wait to hear how EFY went!
7.
The picture is of the sisters in my district: Hna. Jauregui, Hna. Rojas,
me, Hna. Franco (in that order). They're all thinking, "one of these
things is not like the other..."
7. I LOVE YOU!
Hurrah for Israel!
Hermana Zubeldia
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