"Things here are very very hard and test me daily. All three of my teachers are native to here in Mexico city and so they speak some fast and difficult Spanish, so its been a trial. The heat has not been near as bad as I was thinking, but in the afternoons it sure does get very hot and since there is like 0 air conditioning it is rough, and at night it isn't near as cool as I like, but I am surviving. And no, there are no siestas in the middle of the day, although they really do need to start implementing those because they would save everyone. Also I completed my life purpose, so that was pretty neat. I did my very best to talk to him (Esteban) and let him know how you knew about him and how you always wanted me to make taquitos with him. And the taquitos did not explode! And I still like yours better, because they are very good. But hey, maybe start using that flour+water paste to hold them together, it works for pinatas too, so hey, multipurpose!! So p-day was just about the greatest thing getting to talk to everyone again and remember family and friends, because that really is the hardest part about being here. Everyone is great for the most part, but they are not the people I have spent my life growing to get to know and love."
Group Email:
This week felt so much faster being only a week rather than a week and a half, yet there are still so many good times that came in this shorter time. So I had my p-day, and man it was weird not having to go to class all day and everything, it felt a little wrong. So we played a lot of volleyball with and against Latinos, and it got pretty crazy, you may have thought we were a bunch of pros out there playing. This was just the beginning of the adventures this day.
So it is me and Elder Murdoch's personal goal to get a parrot to land on our shoulder or eat from our hand, and today was the first real attempt of that. We got close, but await more updates and a picture of that. So it just so happened, the next morning when Elder Murdoch and I went on splits to go running, we came across an injured bird on our way back, not a parrot, but a start. Now pets aren't allowed on a mission, but we got permission to attempt to nurse it back to health. Its name is Eldér, and we aren't sure yet if it is a baby or normal bird or what, but we have fed it, gave it water, and given it baths. We are bird whisperers. Await updates on our first nurturing attempt.
And since I write periodically this email through the week, updates have happened already... Eldér did not make it, he is in a better place though. So lesson to be learned kids, don't fly into walls, it doesn't go well for anyone or any bird. But we got a beautiful rainbow around the sun the same day, hopefully I remember to attach pictures this time, but that was a great way to send off Eldér. The creations of God are beautiful. Also we are now the district in our zone that has been here longest, and we are getting a district in our zone for the next two weeks, so that'll be interesting. Also chicken parm here is literally chicken with them putting the parm from the can on it, classic Mexico.
Now I'll get more spiritual. So this week we no longer are teaching Fernando, and are taking on two "investigators" at the same time now. David, who has had experience with the gospel, but has issues because his bishop does bad things and so he doesn't believe in that leadership, and then Ivana who doesn't know and or believe much about the gospel yet. Its crazy, if someone 3 weeks ago told me that now I would be giving 10 or more lessons a week in Spanish, I would not have believed them, but here we are. God gets what he wants done, and he makes it possible through you, you just need to have faith. Here at the CCM there are so many miracles daily, some small and some larger, and one of those for sure is with the language. People of all backgrounds with Spanish are talking in the language and have grown in 2 weeks what might take most 2 years. The gift of tongues, and Gods will align fully here, it just takes your obedience and effort to see the blessings pour in. So whatever you may question in your life, or need help with, first align your life in a way that is in tune and welcomes the spirit, then I can promise you that you will receive the answer and help you need. God will not leave a single one of His children alone, ever.
And my advice for you all preparing to serve a mission, or just needing advice:
*Love your district! They are your family and can really make or break how good your mtc experience is, so make them your family, and get to know each other, you will never regret it.
*You're human, not a robot, so in missionary work, normal work, or whatever you do, take some time to do something that makes you smile. You are human, and a smile will go a million miles in helping yourself, so treat yo self.
*Trust in the Lord. I say it a lot, but he will not steer you astray, so when in doubt, forget yourself and go all in on the Lord, you will always come off on top.
Well I love you all, hope you all enjoy reading about the craziness of the CCM and are enjoying doing all that you are in your lives.
-Elder Pickering
Photos
1. Eldér
2. Eldérs bath
3. Eldér being swaddled
4. The amazing rainbow
5. Just flowers.
I am going to the temple this morning, so await pictures and a lot more of that next week!
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