Not Sure if this Holla ever got through 2.9.09‏

Since I last wrote, I´ve changed areas and companions. My first day here, as I studied in the morning, a man clapped outside and stood there, contently smiling. I went out to greet him and, in that way, I met Lucio—our ward´s secretary, a convert and returned missionary, and a man that just eminates goodness. He has accompanied us 2 or 3 full days of work already and is a GREAT boon to the missionary work here in this area, fellowshipping the members and providing them with a constant friend in the Ward. It was he who taught us the game ¨si o no,¨ wherein one person asks questions and the other one has to answer without saying si o no. If they do, they lose, and then they have to ask questions. It was fun, and we laughed a lot, and got to know eachother really well. I think it´ll be a great tool for the rest of my mission and in the future for those dates where she only wants to give one word answers (lol). As we passed the gate of another Paraguayan shack, with a shout of Peguaheke (Guarani for Can We Come In) after having clapped, the family scrambled to arrange chairs for another visit from the missionaries (usually under the shade of some tree). This was the house of a once faithful Brother who has only one leg, and so rarely leaves the house. We talked, and he laughed and enjoyed our presence. Near the end, at the point of tears, he expressed his gratitude for our visit and love for the missionaries, explaining that our visits made him feel important in his now helpless state. How great is this work? Even the simplest, uplifting visits to members are miracles in their lives. I feel so blessed to be here right now to get to know and come to love the people of this area. I also like moving areas because people always compliment my Spanish (whether it´s true or not, it sure feels good). I´m realizing the value of a little encouragement when somebody is working hard to learn something that can be difficult, and that is risky. Let us all give compliments and encouragement in place of criticism and mockery, even if we might think it a funny joke at the time. Well, I love you all so much. I thought today of the movie Robinhood where he kneels down and kisses the shores of the English beach after having been away for so many years. That´s how I feel about my country, my family, my friends. You are all so wonderful, and if it weren´t for the absolute truthfulness of what I´m doing, it would be difficult to be apart from you for so long. I love you all, and know that Jesus Christ LIVES and guides our church. Have a wonderful week...MAKE IT ONE :-). Elder McCarty