Everything is awesome here in Juarez! Beautiful scenery. If you have a passion for dirt, that is. But really, I love it here! And so much crazy stuff has been happening too! But let's start from the beginning...
I hopped off the plane at the Ciudad with a dream and a suit jacket. We were met by other missionaries who then drove us to the mission center place. We partied it up there for a while, heard a lot about our new mission, got an overview of the rules, and a talk about obedience. At least I think it was on obedience. It was all in spanish. My old Companion and I were the only Gringos there, so they sent us a translator -Elder Ramirez or something like that- to help us out. It was cool though. I really like the mission president. We then drove for a while to go eat lunch, which I expected to be sandwhiched and a bag of chips or something. But nope! Turns out the mission president is pretty rich. We went to his house and ate a delicioso soup, a fruit and nut salad, and some amazing breaded chicken with ham and cheese in it. I cant remember the name for it, but it was awesome. Annd then some cheesecake. Then we were shown where we were staying for the night: A legit hotel with an indoor pool and a tv! It was terrible! Awesome because of quality running water, soft beds and AC, but a TV and a pool! And we can't use them! The closest we got to the pool was filling up the tub and imagining swimming. So all-in-all, you could say it was a pretty good day.
Day 2!
We got our companions! Except for me. I was flying solo. All of the companions would go up, say their name, time here, where they're from, and who their new comp was. except there wasn¡y one for me. It turns out that he showed up late to the meeting. And if you're late, even just a minute, you are told to go back and work. And as a trainer, he needs to be a good example. And so they called up Elder Chalmers in the middle of personal study and said "Hey elder Chalmers! Come on down to the mission office with all of your companions stuff for transfers!" And so Elder Beck got a surprise transfer, and I am now being trained by Elder Chalmers. Unfortunately, they had plans for that day. Normally we would've had a P day when I could wash my clothes and learn about the area and write home to tell everyone I wasnt dead yet. But nope. We went out and taught lessons! And then contacted some people and overall partied it up pretty good.
And from there it became rather routine. I got some blisters from walking, some tortillas for eating, chased by a few rabid dogs (by the way, there is one dog around here that we call the Zombie Dog. He either had a disease or got hit by a car or something, but a large portion of his face didn't have fur or skin on it. It makes his eyes look all red and creepy too. But I think he's getting better now), and I still haven't been mugged! Woohoo!
For all of you who were thinking that I'd come back in super good shape, I am pleased to inform you that you're wrong. Yes, we walk a lot, yes, we work out every morning, however, the members in this area are very generous and feed us a lot of food. We are not allowed to buy soda, pizza, junk food, or hamburgers because they're not healthy. However, if it's given to us by members, it's fine. And so, we currently have 7up, a little ceasars pizza, and ice cream waiting for us back home. I think I've had more soda here then at a Phillips family reunion! And several Littls Cs Pizzas too!
We got two baptismal dates set yesterday! For Jesús Antonio and Silvia Guadelupe. I'm super excited for them! And we've found many others who the lord has prepared to hear our message.
Have fun back in the states everyone!
Elder Phillips
Sorry, no pics. I'm not allowed to send them except for when we have a baptism.
I love his letters! So fun to read!
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