Getting to know the Mission

We had meetings with new missionaries today. They arrived yesterday on the same flight overnight that we did! The meetings today were an orientation. They were from 9-2:30.
We went over rules for food, security, finances, how to use time wisely and setting goals. I'll have to type in some of the secuity issues! We've already broken some rules! The Elders and Hermanas were paired up with a trainer and away they went on two buses; first to buy some comida and then to their areas. There were 16 American Elders. It was so fun to talk to them and get to know them. Some of their Spanish is not not any better than Pattee's!
I have learned a lot in the 8 days since we arrived. Jim is doing great! Everyone comments on how well his Spanish is.

We met an American member who invited us to dinner tonight!! And tomorrow we have been invited to Thanksgiving dinner with an American group of members and some American Elders! Who'd have thunk?
One family works at the embassy, one in mining, one is building a coal fired power plant, one is in outsourcing, one works in marketing with an airline, and one is private company working with state police. That's the great thing about the church, where ever you go you have instant friends!
When we met our Bishop, he told us "no worries" there's lots of Americans in our ward. It's called the Campestre Barrio.

Our biggest concern this week is getting money transferred here so we can pay rent and buy a car. (We'll have to explain the used car issues down here....) We have to have a car for security purposes. There's not much public transportation in the areas where we will live or the project. And it's too far to walk to the site from our casita. And we wouldn't want to be walking in the dark either, ever.
Because of Thanksgiving the transfer of funds has been delayed.
But poco a poco. Little by little!

November 22, 2008
We went to the Sononate Stake for their Stake Conference meetings and to attend 32 baptisms from that zone. There are 20 missioneros in that area. (a handful of American young men) We also were able to witness a marriage of a family who will be getting baptized later this week.
The next morning we went back for the Sunday meetings. Jim and I both spoke!! Can you beleive that? They don't mess around! The Mission President said, "And now it begins....."
I wrote my short little message and testimony out so I could read it. Jim, thankfully, corrected for me. We actually spoke twice that day as their conference was split because of numbers. We were the only gringos. Everyone was overwhelmingly kind and gracious. We are like celebrities because we are Americans here helping to build their temple!