Howdy doodie

Pic 1 - Sis Chapple, Br Keith Morgan, Parviz, Me.

Pic 2 - our District

Pic 3 - my legs with mosquito bites that don't itch, they just cause searing pain. Those bites are the size of a ping pong ball and are as swollen high as computer key if not bigger

You know you've gained the trust and love of members and investigators when your companion calls to talk to them (or answers the phone) and they ask to talk to you. (Either that, or they know I can speak the AFrican or Filipino English and can understand them). I love the ward here and the city gets (hotter) more beautiful everyday as long as I don't look inside myself.

One thing I am tired of hearing is the following 'You should be training'. It's odd that so many people think I should train a new missionary. Technically, I already am. Since Sis Chapple came, I've had to not only train a new missionary, but raise a child (walking, talking, eating, and all). It is exhausting, but I have learned that I cannot just pour everything I know and am into this person because I will come out with no strength for myself. If I can't keep floating, then how can I teach someone else to swim.

Well, that same scenario came up this week. There is a new Sister coming in and everyone in the zone (plus Sis Dietz) told me that I will be her trainer. So Sunday morning, President Miles calls and Sis Nelson says 'Here ya go Trainer'. Well, after saying hello and giving him the update on my back, I hand the phone to her. SHE is training the new Sister. 'Told ya so' I say as she hangs up. We both got a good laugh out of it. She leaves today to pick her up. They will be ,living in our apt (thank goodness), but will be working in the German ward. No more permanent Joint-teach. BUmmer!

It's amazing how much more I understand myself since I came on my mission. Before, I knew how to handle stress, disappointments, hard times, and frustrations. Enter mission, and all things just get blown to smitherines and I have to start again. Then, it's funny how much I am really just building on what I ha before...just better.

It's official...I am being eaten alive. Tues night I noticed that I had gotten some mosquito bites so I put anti-itch on them before bed to avoid any subconscious scratching. Wed I wake up and they are bright red and swollen. Oh well, guess my sheets are stiff and scratchy. Wed night, mosquito bites are puffy and have pus bubbles in the middle....unpack long skirts and use bug spray more faithfully. Thurs night, new ones bringing the total to 9. Fri day, still there, but add excessive pain upon any contact....wearing long skirts is a blessing. Sunday morning, PAIN. I call Mission nurse (brand new thing for our mission. We used to call Sis COndie). Today, I will be going to Apotheke (pharmacy) and getting SOMETHING....ANYTHING. Please keep in your prayers for those nasty buggers to leave me alone.

Homework for Mom and Dad since they keep mentioning how boring their emails...and lives...are. Read the following parable and tell me what you learn from it and I will share what I learned from it. John 10:1-11

--
Alles Liebe SISTER CHOCOLATE