Its crazy to think how much time has gone by.
Well Hermana Pulson and I arrived a day later than everyone. Apparently the
people who schedule our trip made a mistake but it is all good. We got
in Thursday(12th) morning took a shower and went straight into classes. It was a
long day. I'm here at the CCM (MTC) in Chile with 48 other missionaries.
My companion is Hermana Delgado and she is from Peru. She is so patient
with me especially when my Spanish isn't the best. The classes are all in
Spanish and sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming. Sometimes I
understand everything and I can participate and sometimes I feel like my
head is going to explode. Hermana Carlson is the only other gringo with
me who will only be in CCM for 2 weeks, the others will be in 6 weeks. She really understands me. I
pray everyday for God to give my strength. I have improved so much, full
immersion in the language really is the best way to learn. One teacher
even thought I was from Chile, not because I spoke well though... he
thought I looked like a Chilean. Which is pretty cool. The classes are
great but sometimes it is frustrating because I can´t share my
insights, One highlight was we played big booty in class! My teacher
knew it so we taught the Latinos how to play. Also the Americans are
teaching some English to the Latinos. It is pretty funny to see the
roles reversed for a change. All the Latinos actually think I am pretty
funny (which is a nice change from back home). We get to go the temple today
which I live right next to. I am so excited but a little
nervous.The food here is amazing!!!!! But I am missing my mom´s cooking.
President Doll, the CCM president and his wife are awesome I love them.
Every morning we get to walk to a park to exercise. I love it. The Elders and a few of the Hermanas play sports. We have played soccer,
basketball and kickball. It is my favorite part of the day but it is
really hard to play without contact. I saw James!!!!!!! Yesterday he was
in the comedor(dining room). I ran up and almost gave him a hug. He has a picture so
I imagine Sister Slazak will have it. I started crying. Seeing him made
me pretty homesick and the rest of the day was hard. He looks great and
is even training a missionary. I´m so proud of him. We had family home
evening on Sunday
and Sister Doll made really good cookies while we played a game. The
mission is so much fun but it is so hard at times. But when I first got
here I felt the spirit so strong and I got a conformation that I needed
to be here. This is where I am supposed to be. My days are emotional
roller coasters but when I go to bed each night I feel true joy. In the CCM our p days are Tuesdays but I won´t be able to write to you guys
next week because I´m already going out into the field. I wish I could
write to all of you separately but I only have an hour to read and write
to you all. I want you all to know how much I love you. Please keep me
in your prayers because sometimes I struggle.
love Hermana Showalter
So exciting to hear what's happening. So far! Keep up the good work!
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