A Little Better

Justin said in his email today that last week in Peru went a little better. He has been talking to his companion a lot and his companion (Elder Cachique) is doing better with the things he should be doing. Elder Cachique is from Lima and also has a brother serving in the same mission. Justin's new mission president is President Fierro.

He still doesn't like Lima and said, " I just keep telling myself that I am leaving Peru by the end of October, hopefully going back to Bolivia and if not, ANY other country." Being sent back there is certainly a trial.

So let's move on to the improvements of the week. When he first arrived in the area they had no one to teach because before Justin got there, his companion would never work. It was a tough couple of weeks trying to find people, but they are starting to have people to teach now. He actually has a baptismal date for a dad of a member family. He has been listening to the missionaries for years, but never wanted to be baptized. He is ready now! He also said they get to watch General Conference in the stake center in English! He was happy about that. On another positive note, Justin said he thinks he is gaining back the weight he lost in Bolivia. He says, "They give us so much food here!" A lot of the missionaries don't really like the food and have a hard time eating it, but I haven't had a single problem yet. It is amazing compared to half the stuff they would give us in Bolivia. That is probably the one and only thing that is better about here. But I would gladly sacrifice that too to go back." Well I have to admit, that made me chuckle! Maybe we all need to experience eating Bolivian food to appreciate all the food we have. It certainly worked for the pickiest eater in the world...... Justin!

Here's an update on living conditions for the moment. Justin said his house has fleas. He wakes up each morning with bites all over his body. He sprayed his bed and blankets with insect repellent hoping that works. Good thing we sent repellent with him. He also doesn't have a water heater, so it's cold showers for him. He says, "It was pretty miserable and hard to do at first, but I am getting used to it. Still not enjoyable though." Remember, the sun does not shine there and it is cold. I guess you can get used to anything after a while. Justin is SO going to appreciate all he has here when he comes home. Justin said what he misses most about home is a nice clean toilet that you can flush toilet paper down. We are all so blessed (spoiled) and should be grateful for what we have been given everyday. Even working, flushing toilets. The things we take for granted!

Justin said he sent more pictures, so I'll go back and add pictures to the past relating blogs when I receive them. So..... keep posted!