Week Three Latino Missionaries Left

 

Sorry for my Pday change. They had to change the day I had free time so I could go to get my passport sorted out today. The other missionaries that are heading to mexico and I all went to extend our Visas out for two years. It is always interesting to ride through the city because of the crazy driving tactics and to see all the little shops crammed together.

I am really excited for general conference this weekend. My first few weeks year it seemed like we watched a devotional with the twelve a lot more frequently. Everything is going great here at the CCM. There is not much to talk about. I am in class for about 12 hours a day learning the language, how to teach, and gospel doctrine. The other few hours I get to eat, play frisbee or workout, get ready for bed. They have everything planned out here.

It has been pretty crazy here the past week. We had an Elder in my zone, who got seriously injured. He has to head back to the States for some more surgery, but he is handling it very well. Please keep him and his family in your prayers.

The latinos in my casa left for the field last week. I know they will be great missionaries. They have such cheerful spirits. I am starting to understand more when they are speaking and my speaking skills are improving as well.

I also had the opportunity to play the piano for my zone´s sacrament meeting, which was nerve racking and awesome at the same time. I love music so much and I miss being able to listen to music on the radio. However it is nice not to have to listen to terrible music as well.

I hope you all are doing well. I pray for you all.

Week Two Mexico Independence Day

 

So I left off with the celebration of Mexico's Independence in the last email so I need to finish that. For Mexico's day of independence they made lots of different meats for tacos, which all tasted good. We also had the opportunity to watch some traditional dances that night. It was nice to hear some music (we are not allowed to have any here at the MTC).

I do not have a lot to talk about because I am just in class all day. All the people in my district are cool and are working hard to become missionaries for God. I also like my teachers a lot because of their testimonies and willingness to help. I also went to the temple again on my Pday today which was awesome but I could use some time off. I really love the devotionals here they are filled with the spirit and provide me with great strength and knowledge.

It seems like time is really starting to fly. Hopefully I can learn enough of the language by the time I am out of here.

Week One CCM and Elder Trendler

 

So the first day was crazy. I met up with about fifty other missionaries in the Mexico City Airport.

Then we all got on buses and traveled to the CCM (or MTC). I would describe Mexico City as a bunch of square concrete buildings, some of which brightly colored, SCRUNCHED together against hills, and all of them are covered in graffiti or murals. Traffic is crazy the cars are inches apart most of the time on these winding streets. The weather is about the same as Colorado, which is nice. At night you can constantly hear cars going by and dogs barking throughout the night. The Independence Day of Mexico is also today!! So for the past week we have been hearing canon shots almost every hour of every day. We have a big Mexico celebration today I wish I had already seen so I could tell you guys about it.

I was assigned to my companion the first day I got here. His name is Elder Trendler and he is 6 foot 7 inches (Yes he is very good at basketball).

The missionaries in my district are also very cool. We have six elders and only three hermanas because one went home due to homesickness. I also had the opportunity to see Spencer Webb, Johnny Ronco, and Sam, which was very cool.

The latinos in our casa are very friendly and super hilarious. They have a devotional with us gringos every night. Although I can not understand all that they are saying I feel their love and the spirit when they bear their testimonies. My teachers Hermana Torres and Hermana Vite say hi.

 

Daily life at the CCM is very busy. The food is okay. They have their good meals and Meh ones. I am loving class and I am learning so much about the spirit and Espanol. The Latinos have been a big motivation for me to try to learn the language so that I can understand what they are saying. I am also trying to speak Spanglish so I get used to incorporating Spanish into my daily life. On my third or fourth day here My companion and I had to teach a fake investigator in Espanol. It was hard the first time but it has gotten easier every day. However, it is hard to answer questions that you have not prepared for, and I hate just reading material to them. Hopefully I will get a bigger vocabulary soon!!! During Gym time I have played Ultimate, Sand Volleyball, Basketball, and Ping Pong with the other missionaries. There have been three devotional broadcasts from the qorum of the twelve since I have gotten here. I have had the opportunity to listen to Elder Christopherson, Elder Ballard, and Elder Cook all of which were highly spiritual.

I also had the opportunity to attend the Mexico City Temple today today. It was awesome even with the little language barrier. Hopefully the pictures will be able to send through.

Thank you all so much for your letters. I am so happy to find out how each of you are doing.

I love you all,

Elder Thompson

Elder Jacob Thompson off to Mexico

The Call