Today was the first time it really hit us new missionaries, we are in south america, because today we went to the temple and ventured off into the "world'. Crowded bus, crazy drivers, palm trees, it was awesome! I couldnt stop smiling all the way to the temple. Im sure I looked like the gringo tourist missionary.
I am really enjoying the CCM here in Lima. The first few days were a little hard, doing the 'new mtc' thing again pulled us out of our comfort zone a bit but thats alright, we're getting used to that. Its a whole lot smaller, approx 120 missionaries, and a lot different from provo. We pretty much have two companions, one Latino, and one Norte Americano(as we're called). we usually split up with our latino companions and switch to our other companions to go to class, but other than that we are usually with our latino companions. which is great, we learn so much when we spend time with our latino companions. spanish is coming along, faster than if we were still in provo i think. Just being around it all the time and trying to communicate and listening to our companions really helps. elder arteaga is great and is always patient. I can finally say that I know how our korean homestay students felt now, because i pretty much am one haha. You just have to be humble enough to say "I dont understand", right?
Other than that things are good, Our mtc president is almost as new as us actually, because he had to fill in for the other president who recently got really sick and had to go home, and he actually passed away last week which is sad. But the new president is great, he is a former naval officer so he has laid down the law haha, he keeps us in line which teaches us to be obedient.
The food here is different, but I like different so thats good for me, not so good for some of the other elders who have lived in idaho their whole life haha, its just entertaining to see what kind of wierd juice they have in the mornings and who will drink the nastiest one haha. The campus is small but super pretty, they really keep it looking fancy. they have a huge turf soccer field which is awesome and keeps all the super talented latinos entertained, along with us poser north americans haha.
After one of the first firesides this north american elder comes up to me and says hi and stuff, and i didnt really know who he was until he said, "remember me from facebook?" it was Will Wilson! haha we had a cool little reunion.(even though we've never actually met in person.
Here we actually get to have to opportunity to go out and proselyte in the city! so we are all stoked for that.
Our district is singing a song tonight at the fireside so we'll have to pull something together. I have to say, It was probably a funny sight seeing me conduct music for the first time at the mtc, missionaries arent primary children haha.
This week has been good, the time has started to go by quicker and I am trying to make sure I use all my time wisely here when studying the gospel and the language. me and my north american companion were talking about it and we were like, where else in the world would you find young men from different parts of the planet, who dont speak the same language, come and work together and be friends. the church is true! The church is the same all over the world. We are all Gods children and we as missionaries have to be able to see that. I love this gospel and am so grateful for the oppurtunity to share it.
Love you
Elder Lonsdale
