July 19, 2010

Hey Fammers, So this week was a little bit weird. But good. We have a fecha for a family in our area now. Familia Tovar. Just a dad, mom and 3 year old daughter. We are going to marry them and then right after have them get baptized. That's really about all the progression our area had the past week. Which was in truth a little upsetting :) But, this coming week we will have a ton of success. We will pretty much just be looking for new investigators because all our teaching pool basically fell apart which was a bummer. But we now have the opportunity to find a ton of news.... which I cant wait for. (Don't know if this story is crude or not) Anyways, Guatemala is crazy cool. And I was walking home form the market one day, and I saw a guy completely naked with a crowd just sitting around him, and they were spraying him with a hose........... Yep. That was easily the most random thing I've seen here. Anywaaaaaays...Also while I was in the market they caught 2 little 12 year old thieves and all the mercadores (the people who work in the market) tied them up with twine til the police came hahaha. I really like how here its so impoverished they just do whatever they want with what they want. But its funny to me. I love this country. Just today as a Zone we went and did a little activity... We went to a place that was supposed to be a crazy cool cave but we didn't get to go in because I guess the whole cave was filled with water... Soooo we just walked around for a little. That's about it. And then today I had the blessing of being able to go to McDonalds. It was super amazing. I got a big mac.... First one in about 7 months. I loved it. Also about our investigators... We have this lady Nora Jeronimo, she wants to be baptized and everything now after we taught her. Her husband is a member and so are their two children. But she can't because her and her "husband" aren't married. And we can't help them much either because the guy "husband" has to get divorced to a lady in the states first....But he cant find her....It's sad. But there really isn't much we can do. So we are just doing all we can edifying them spiritually. Next is Gustavo.... He was a reference. We have taught him twice and he loves the gospel....He's about 20. He has SOOOO many questions and just thinks me comp and I are so pilas. He's awesome. We are teaching him at the church this next Thursday and I'm going to show him the baptisimal pila and talk to him about baptism. I'm really hoping he is willing to accept. By far, other then the family Tovar he is our best bet. One thing I didn't see coming about the 'mish', is the Love that you feel so deeply for the people. The true desire to give anything you have to help them better their lives. I didn't know what a blessing it would be to come out here on my mission to learn a language, and to progress so far in the Gospel....turns out I knew nothing before the mish :) All I can say is I love the mish...I'm sooooo happy. And I hope you guys like the photos. I love you all to death. Can't wait to see you all in 17 ;) Love Elder Fats (That's how Guats say it) :) (Photos to be posted at a later date)

Letter sent June 16, 2010-Received July 13, 2010

We were excited to see an actual hand written letter from Evan. From most everyone we have heard that there aren't too many problems with getting mail to and from Guatemala. So, when we saw this, we just started laughing. It was great to get a letter and some pictures!!! Evan is very happy serving as a missionary. He said in his letter: "So, I am coming up here on 6 months. I'm already a 1/4 of the way done with my mission. Which kinda freaks me out. If every 1/4 goes this fast It'll be done way too soon. And to tell you the truth, I don't like that. It's way too amazing. It literally scares me when I think of it ending."

 

Top Picture: My VERY first day in the field in Zone 18. That dirt down there is a soccer field! Super Pilas! Bottom:The church in my first area. With an 11 yr old Guate boy. They like when "Conches"(white people) play with them.

 

Left:This is 2 days after I cleaned it. So no maggots and much smaller. The purple all around is where they were eating his foot. This man suffered a great deal. And now is healed and progressing towards baptism. (This is a man that Evan had written to us about a month ago. It touched us deeply. If you want to read the letter it was posted on Monday, June 14th, and titled "Salama, June 7, 2010") Right:My first area. Las Victorias. This was a former Bishop. He's AWESOME!  

Top:Self-explanitory. Left:Hiking towards the waterfall. It's huge! So pretty. Right:This is "Chilasco" an hour and a half hike through the jungle. So Pretty.

Amoebas, Josue, Kimberly, Sandra and a Rat

Well hi! Well I'm just gonna throw this out here. This week was super cool. Hard. But cool. I didn't know I could even speak Spanish really. Then, I got put with this comp...turns out I can speak whatever I want and understand everything. Random. But I guess when you try it's easy or somethin' haha. I didn't know that. But yeah, I speak to anyone now. It's awesome. And I can teach really well now. Not the best. But sufficient :) So I'm better :) I was sick really bad for 11 days to where I ate nothing. Which is ruff stuff. But all better. I guess I had amoebas in my stomach haha. It's funny that I had all these problems. Cuz now I weigh 184... Which means I have lost 23 pounds....yep. 23. haha. Guess if you want to lose weight just come here and eat guat food and youre good to go :) I burned a tie for my 6 months thing, and I watched the video after and was upset at myself for being so scronny. I wish I could be strong one day haha. Guess that'll never happen. But that's about all that's been up. Kinda stunk we lost 1 and a half days of work cuz sickness. Boo. But our area is awesome. The success we have had is incredible. For example with less actives we have brought 3 families now in this area to church 3 concecutive Sundays. and a guy named Josue who is 21 (my best friend in the mish so far) came to church for the first time in over a year with me. I was so happy. This was this past sunday.... story of Josue: I ran into him about 7 weeks ago and have been passing by talking about soccer (because that's his thing) and just throwin' out jokes and stuff. Long story short he became a guy we passed by 2 times a week to give animo and I would send him a scripture every night to read. This past Thursday I took Elder Anhder there and was teaching him and I invited him to church as usual....but he sat there thinking. and said, "You know Elder, I have had about over 30 missionaries come talk to me and stuff. But youre the first one who falls good with me."(sounds weird in English but thats good in Spanish) he said, "Even the elders who baptized me I didn't like." and then he leaned over, shook my hand and said a man's promise," I will come this Sunday." and he did :) I also asked him about a mission that night, and I said if he had the chance would he go, and he said yes, but that's over now. long story short...he thought if you were over 20 you couldnt go. So now he wants us to help him prepare!!!!! How pilas is that! Freak I love him! He's so cool! That's the story of him. It feels super good to know I'm falling well with the people here in my area. We have the fam. Tovar who we are going to marry in 2 weeks to get baptized! And also the family Jeronimo who we will baptize and marry in the next 2 or three weeks.....Both of them getting married will be such blessings. Gosh this work is so awesome. That's how the work is going in our area. Kimberly is awesome a good example and just bein a typical 13 year old. We are also working with another 13 year old here named Sandra.. She has a lot of doubts. But nothing the spirit can't change.... This is the most boring letter ever. It's about my weight and my investigators haha. But these are the people I love here. They're so awesome. I love helping people mejorar their lives. I've never learned so much in my life.... well....thats literally it. Tonight we have a family home evening with less actives and that will be super fun. My comp can understand a lot but doesnt really like speaking. I think I'll learn a lot of good from him. His mom would be super proud of his diligent serving now. He told me he wanted to go home last change, but he has been a really hard, happy, fun worker with me. He's got a funny sense of humor too. I'm excited for 5 more weeks with him. Anyways...thats all. Boring but I hope you guys are all doing well. My life is awesome :) I'm speaking Spanish :) and! We are trying to catch a rat with duct tape and peanut butter! its failing.... But you never know haha. Any homade remedes that you guys know for catching rats? Please give them :) Take care fam...love you tons Also! TAKE CARE LAW FAMILY! you guys care dope....Just thought I'd throw that out to an awesome family :) P.S. I have an honda now... sling shot...homemade... I can't remember if I told you guys...but I love it...already been shootin stuff. Best ever. Love y'all

More photos...hope you get them tal vez...June 28, 2010 Salama

After service... these guys just chug through the street with bacas. haha It's so cool. I love it here... This is the nice part of my city because it has cement. But I like this photo Evan sent 2 other photos but I can't open them to upload them :/

July 5, 2010-Salama

Well I have about 18 minutes to chug out a good email! First of all......HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Red, White and Blued all that up just for you:)WHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! That's so fun mom!!! I wish I was there to celebrate it with you. Those are always so fun. What are you now 27 or 28 I cant remember ;) I sent you a video last week of me yelling happy birthday to you. But i just looked and it wouldn't work cuz its too big. So that's a bummer. But you got everything else good! That's awesome! So good that you had cockroaches everywhere! I do NOT feel bad. Just so you know.... I had one fall on my face while I was sleeping the other night (about 3 inches big) and I just grabbed it bare handed crushed it and then threw it. I don't even care anymore. haha. So my comp got a change back into the capital...I'm still in Salama. Which I'm really happy about. I should be getting a new comp in about 5 hours. I don't know who yet...but we will see :) I'm happy. It's fun having lots of comps! I'm gonna go back and read your email then answer all your questions :) Sorry :) this week was boring. haha. K, so how's Kimberly...she's awesome! Shes doing super well. The most humble, sweet little girl who is the best example ever to the family. The mom of Kimberly is now the strength of the women in the ward. It's so cool to see things like that happen. Well I gotta go mom...but I'll be back on later today to tell you about my new comp and stuff :) Around 3 my time...cool? Mom...I love you...You're the best ever. Keep swimmimg for me...And give everyone a hug especially for me. I love those people you're with. (Some of our kids came to visit for the weekend) Take care mom! I love you! Elder Fast A few hours later we received this email: Well hi! So I found out my new companion today. His name is Elder Anhder. It's his 3rd change so he's right behind me. He's about 5 foot 4. 20. That's about it. haha I still have a lot to learn about him and I'm really excited to teach him about Salama and the people there. It will be fun. Salama and the people are perfect. Sounds fun. :) I bet I'll be with him about 2 changes. It's cool too, because I know my Spanish will go through the roof this change. The dedication will be the hard part. I'm not the most consistent person ever :)...It's cool the trust the Lord has in me to work with a new companion and the area. its gonna take a lot of work on my part to fill the potential the Lord wants from me. So also, Garrick just went up to Zone Leader. I know ranks dont mean anything. But the reason I am proud is because it means he's being obedient and really working. I love that. I'm so proud to call him my buddy in the mish. Also, I heard he"s like the best at Kekchi in the mission. He's a good example. Also my last comp just went straight up to ZL. That was a bummer to see him go. But he's where he needs to be now. The past two days Ive been in Coban just relaxing waiting for my companion and getting better. I'm feeling much better now. By tommorow I know I'll feel perfect. The story about how you guys sat in a spa, ate good food, lit fireworks, watched a movie, saw family, and went to Blueberry Hill........ :) 18 more months haha....you have no idea! Thats all things I don't have haha. Jealous. But I live in Guat and you guys don't. So i win. so thats about it... Hey Dad! Whats that all about!? youre a UNLV student now?? thats so cool!! im super proud of you! Also if you go and teach at Foothill I'm never talking to you again. They ruined my chance to be the next Howard for the states in 2014. haha (Evan's Senior yr playing soccer against Foothill-his collar bone was broken during the game. At the time he was ranked #2 Goalie in the state. Scouts were coming to watch him the next week.) Dad, thanks for your advice and support. I'm constantly thinking about it. I love you tons. You're the best example ever. Elder Fizzzast Dang I gotta go now! I love you all tons! Have a good day! You guys are the bombest diggitties ever. Take care! Hey challenge! Drink a gallon of guat milk in an hour... haha Random fact...guat milk here is SOOOOOOOOO not good. welp......see you later

Photos for the Fam & Amigos-June 28, 2010-Salama

The best day!! Kimberly was baptized June 17th by a member in her Branch. Very rare in this area to have a member perform the baptism. SOOOO exciting! Elder Fast, Kimberly, Branch Member that baptized Kimberly, Elder Vazquez I bought these pollos. I was so excited! Me and a Guate Hippo Most beautiful place ever!! That's the hike to Chilasco. Just doing my thang...I'm stronger now speaking of...still scronny...but stronger :) On my way up. So COOL!! Me at a little Guat fall...this little stream goes to a 200 ft. drop. 200 ft drop. I stood there for about 10 minutes...I couldn't believe it. The picture is perfect. But still can't do it justice. I love it. Goodness. Best EVER!!! All my bros ain't got nothin on this :) Chilasco...This is 30 meters I guess...It was misting on us. I hiked about half way up the waterfall. It is so pretty...THAT'S MY MISSION!!!!!!

June 28, 2010 6 months! A quarter? Just sayin'

Fam!!! well hi! This past week was awesome! Just worked and lived the mission life. It's super awesome. I sent a ton of pictures home...so I hope you got them all. This week I decided to just write a little of all my favorite things I've been enjoying and with some why. Just so you can see how I've been doing and whats new! First...I eat the fruit Guanaba EVERY day. Literally. SOOOO good and everywhere here....Did you drink that Ryan or is guadana different? cuz i LOVE it. also, ive been doing service EVERY morning lately. it really is helping our relationship with the people here. the past 12 days ive done it 7 times. You just take a machete and go cut down everything in sight to make a road.....I literally feel so cool when im doing. I'll be honest :) So also I dug out a road. it took forever but it was cool. I just used a shovel and a wheelbarrow with about 12 other Guats and we just went to town. It was awesome. Also just to throw it out there we jalon everywhere..hitch hike. It's fun and a good way to contact. Rarely do they drive by without stopping. Its fun! Also the Mundial...or World Cup was fun to hear about. Now I don't even care. They let me down every time. I was so worked up over this one too cuz its all they talk about here. Big let down. And I don't think I'll hear the end of it here. so... thats that. 2014? Sounds like it'll never come. But I vow to see at least 1 game with all my bros then. It made me a little trunkie when it'd be on. haha. But here its baggie...not trunkie. Also I know this might sound a little weird. but i actually love to study now. like when my time runs out I'm bummed because it wasn't everything i wanted to cram in. its just fun learning...weird. but it really is. i LOVE excersise now! that is my life saver. if i didn't have that i couldn't wake up....oooor look as good as I do. ahah j/k. cool story!!!!! i was hackin around with a machette last saturday and I hacked a huge arbol..tree and made a sling shot...like I took the time to make it earlier today. it is AWESOME!!! ive already shot like 3 guat dogs that go crazy when you walk by. Best invention ever. Everyone here has them. haha. So cool. I feel more Guat now. I LOVE buying ties. I have 42 ties now. And have given 36 away. im already becoming an elite missionary because of all my ties ill be honest. I've got some really good ones. As well as buying soccer jerseys from pacas... which is old American clothes. It's about 35 cents or so for a tie or shirt haha. so cool! I love it here. also...speaking of pacas....I bought a brand new still in the package church suit that literally fits PERFECT! It was 30 quetz...or 3 dollars and 78 cents....oh man haha, its SO awesome. A grayish black. also another thing i love to do here is tell stories in Spanish to my investigators about my family or friend at home. I love letting them know about me as well now. I LOVE talking to little kids. They're so awesome here. it really makes me miss my nephews y nieces. but I love them. The people here are so loving, veerrry loving. on the serious note of things I love is feeling the spirit during lessons. or seeing that they can too. It makes me feel like a good servant of the Lord. I love seeing the Lord's hand in everyday... you literally can if you're looking see it in everything. it so cool hes that intimately involed with all of us. I love the people I get to help and see desire to better follow the Lords Commandments. I'm super lucky. I really am. This work is awesome. on a really spiritual note.... I LOVE seeing 3 inch cockroaches running all over our kitchen sink and huge worms coming out of our drain when we are washing dishes. Or even better when I make a sandwich with amazing bread and then decide to have another but then see after that, the rats in our house have been literally inside the bag of the bread I just ate. hahaha. I LOVE IT! I really do. This whole country falls well with me....( that's what they say here) :) If they like someone or anything they say it falls well...or bad. But in this case well. I'm improving Spanish wise and missionary wise. I don't want the next 6 months to go as fast as this past 6 months did. I love it here. I wanna take you all here after the mish!! So that's it...a super self centered email :) We have changes this coming Saturday so i guess we will see what happens. I doubt anything will change for me. But I wanna go to Polochic and learn Kekchi. That'd be so cool. I miss you all. I hope all is well. I'm always praying for exito para ustedes. te amo muchisimo. de veras. muchisimo gracias por tu amor para mi y cartes. Take care fam. Elder Fast.... P.S. Just a fun fact if you ask a Guat who they want to win the world cup they will literally say Germany Argentina Brazil or Holland...all four at the same time. I'm not kidding. Most fair weather people ever. I'm personally want Holland cuz they're orange. or Uruguay. That'd be cool. Any ways....we had 6 investigators in church too! The area rocks. Tons of people progressing towards baptisms. I love it. take care love you!