Long week. Immigration and lots of work.
Tuesday went to Guat City for immigration stuff, we had to wake up at 4 in the morning the next day to be first in line at the immigration building. Because any later and the line is two blocks long. The other gringo I went with and I, decided it would be better to stay up rather than have to force ourselves awake at 3:30. Regretted it later.
Wednesday, stood outside the building for about three hours before another three of paperwork stuff. Was in and out of sleep the whole time. Then once we got back to Xela, Elder Alvarez was there with his new comp because he was going through the temple the next day. It was so cool. I got to talk with the new Elder who is in Panca with Alvarez. It is the funniest thing, he is literally living my life from three months ago. Can't really speak Spanish and is new just like I was. It makes me feel so old. So many memories that he is getting the same chance to have.
Thursday, since we were staying with some other Elders in the AP's house, we woke up and played basketball a little at the church. It felt so good to get shots up and jump. I have been working out everyday still and am now 185 pounds. I was 155 during bball this past year. And it's all muscle, you guys, I promise. But once I get a parasite like almost every other gringo has gotten already, I know I'll go back down a lot.
Friday, had this wonderful meal of fish and guac. This ranks up there with the cow feet and chicken heart/liver experiences. But you have to eat it or the members will hate you forever.
We had so many citas this week, too. We have a bunch of investigators that we are working with and that are progressing. The main thing that holds everyone back is that the Plaza Day (or day of the market) is on Sunday here. It's when everyone comes to town to sell stuff all day long. And it's how people make their money here. So without that, they don't have a way to make money. So it's very tricky getting people to come to church and having them realize that Sunday isn't for selling and buying. But we are hopeful some will change soon.
Pretty normal, hardworking week. I'm so thankful to be healthy still, happy, and have this work to be able to do. This week we taught Lesson 2, the Plan of Salvation, maybe five times. In it, we talk about how Adam fell so that men might have joy. Without trials and sadness in our lives, how could we feel happy or experience joy. Being a missionary isn't easy, and there are a lot of blocks and trials while teaching. But without them, how could I know and feel happiness when someone wants to hear our message or chooses to repent and change. I am so grateful to have that knowledge and be able to share it with others.
Also, my K'iche has improved a lot and am able to connect with everybody I talk to because of it. It's so cool.
Thanks for reading.
-Elder Copeland
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