Still In Cary
Buenos Dias, como estan todos? This week has been one hectic week as it seems all of them are these days. First bit of news…Elder Staheli has been transferred to Durham, going to be a Zone Leader over there. So, that means that I’ll be staying in Cary, NC for yet another transfer! I’ll have lived in this city for at least 1/4 of my mission when I get done with it. It’s a great city though, and the branch is doing great, growing growing and growing. In fact, this last saturday, Karen, one of our investigators was baptized. Elder Staheli baptized her (it was his turn) and then this last Sunday, I confirmed her in sacrament meeting. Although I was super nervous (something like 80 people in sacrament meeting), it went okay. I also gave a 5-10 presentation of part of our ward mission plan in the combined priesthood/relief society meeting. That also went alright, as I was also extremely nervous. But I can see the blessings of my life as I am lifted up so that I may be able to accomplish the things I have been asked to do. Especially, I am going to need the help now that Elder Staheli left and I am the one who will be doing everything for the next couple weeks (phone calls, appts., etc.). It should be a period of great growth though, I am really looking forward to it. I really feel I’m on the verge of doing something great, of really throwing everything I’ve got, but it seems I just can’t break through that wall, it if you all know what I’m talking about. But, I believe this transfer will be it, the time when I am just completely submerged in the work…we’ll see.
I have been taking lots of pictures lately, almost ready to send another memory card back home. Have all of my pictures been posted to my picture gallery…or is that too much work? It’s alright if everyone is too busy, I’m just curious (because I can’t go to anyother website except this one). I think you’ll like my new pictures, I even have a video of the “fire dance” perfumed by a Samoan native, Elder Laulu! It is pretty sweet, I hope you all get to enjoy it. Elder Laulu only has 6 weeks left, he will be the 2nd Elder that I’ve seen “Die” as they say in mission terms. His “trunkiness” isn’t nearly as bad as Elder Jenson, the one that left after my first transfer. In fact, I’m going to miss Laulu alot, he’s a great guy. His family recently moved to Utah and that’s where he’s going to be heading after spending a couple months in Samoa. I’m sure I’m going to visit him. That’s the good thing about living in Utah, is that I will be able to keep in touch with all of my buddies out here.
The only negative thing about telling people I’m from Utah is that it’s not something different and a lot of people don’t like Utah out here. In fact, they always dog on Utah and the people. These are the members I am talking about, they just don’t like Utah that much. So, usually after I tell them I’m from Utah, I proceed to tell them that I lived the majority of live in Wyoming to be different from the rest. I’ve been thinking when I go into my new area, that will be my answer when they ask me where I’m from, so that they are more impressed with me! Another thing that bugs me about some people here, especially the members, both English and Spanish, is their views on politics and President Bush. Sometimes it comes into the conversation for whatever reason, and they spend 10-15 minutes explaining why President Bush is an idiot. For missionaries, it’s tough, cause we are not supposed to talk about politics or government issues.
Well, it was starting to warm up again and then get cold and then get warm again. Today, supposed to be in the mid 60’s but a few days ago, it was really cold. This climate really makes a lot of people sick, because the body always has to adjust. In fact, Elder Staheli has had a bad cough for the last two weeks, which has turned into bronchitus. Quite a few people have this and it’s also the prime season for colds. I’m just getting over a minor cold, it starting out pretty bad but I surpressed it with lots of Vitamin C, Zinc and tons of Euchenasa (have no idea how to spell). Thanks mom for the little medicin cabinet, I’m popping vitamins every day and trying to get fruits in every day. But I have been a little bad on the vegetables, but I promise I’ll do better this next transfer!
The branch has been going great in the last month feeding us. For the longest time (October, November, December), we had almost no meals because our meals coordinator is inactive. That was until Sister Rodriguez came to the rescue! Last month, the meal calender was full of names, and this month it’s even better!! We are going to be fed well. As far as the actual work goes, are investigator pool has been decreasing a little as we had to put more effort in the baptism and less in finding people. Karen was baptized, we are still working with a guy in his 50’s from Mexico, named Albino who has been to church a few times. We also have a young lad from El Salvador, named Juan de Dios (John of God) who is pretty excited about the church. Going off topic, did anyone take my challenge of eating at “El Salvador” in Provo, I am going to have to report back to the Claros family in the next few weeks.
In the effort not to bore you all to death, I am going to end this letter, but thanks everyone for the support and for the commentaries from my last letter. Although I won’t be able to write a full e-mail back, I will try to write a little note or put you on the list to recieve a snail mail
Que tenga una buena semana y Dios les bendiga.
Elder Hardy