A Couple of Surprises

On Wednesday last week, the missionaries had interviews with the President Fierro. In Justin's interview, he was asked if he was ready for more responsibility. Justin told him, "I guess if that's what I need." Probably not the best response, but that's okay. President Fierro made him a zone leader which really surprised him to say the least because he has not been a district leader yet and has only been out in his mission for seven months. For those of you that don't know what a zone leader is. Justin and his companion are in charge of all the missionaries in their zone (the Pisco area), which is about 12. They are responsible for them and how everything is going there, the numbers, and the paperwork. In the zone of Pisco, there are 2 districts, so they will manage all of that. It will be a lot of work, but Justin will do great. Justin's dad told him to lead by example.

Justin also told us he has been feeling pretty bad the past couple of weeks. Not pooing normally (pooh is a common thing for us to talk about with him being in a third world country! Poor guy!), not able to eat much and gas coming out of every opening (again.....poor guy!). So this morning he went to a clinic across the street and had a blood test. They said he had typhoid fever ( serious?!!!). Yes, he was vaccinated for typhoid fever before he left the states, but it doesn't fully protect you from the disease. He went and bought all these pills and said, "hopefully I don't die."

Then he went on to tell us more trivial things (anything is trivial after he tells us he has typhoid fever!) like how it rained (as he put it, a light sprinkle) last night and everyone started freaking out and acted like it was pouring. It doesn't rain much there. He was planning on going fishing today for his p day. He says they don't use poles there. Just string and a hook. "Seeing as I couldn't catch anything in the states with all the equipment, I doubt I will have any success here. Wish me luck! Times up, got to go! Love, Justin"

By now Justin's dad and I are thinking........."I've got typhoid fever......... going fishing.......wish me luck..........times up, got to go!" .....................Is he kidding us?! You don't drop that bomb on us and then........got to go! I had Justin's dad call the mission home to make sure they knew about Justin's diagnosis and treatment. Then we could rest easier and put away most of our worries. They will make sure he gets the best care and treatment. Sheesh Justin!!!