Elder EJones: Week 1 in Bolivia

Elder Reyes y yo

Hello all!!

This week was quite the journey. We left the MTC Monday morning at 7:15 and were on planes all through the night.  It wasn't too bad recovering from jet lag, but the plane right was the most amazing napping I've ever gotten haha.

We arrived in Bolivia Tuesday morning and spent that day resting and spending time with the mission president and his wife (Presidente y Hermana Rodriguez). On Wednesday, we got our areas and companions. My companion is Elder Reyes from Lima Peru, and he doesn't really speak any English, so it's different speaking Spanish all the time. It's hard to speak and understand, and people are probably sick of me telling them to repeat what they said, but I'll eventually get it.

Another thing about this week: I got sick this week and still am kinda sick. On Saturday, I came down with a fever and threw up, had a fever and a headache and stomachache like all of Sunday, and today my stomach isn't doing too well, but it's better then yesterday. It's probably just because I'm getting used to the food and stuff.

Mi Casa

However, the best part of this week is just being able to teach the gospel even though I don't really understand anything. The Spirit is real.

My area is called El Quior and is in the outer rings of Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz is laid out in rings, and the farther you get out of the city, the more poor and humble the living circumstances become. It's been crazy to see how people live on so little, yet are so happy.

Funny story from this week. We were teaching at a member's house with some nonmembers there and one of the non-members was talking about his brother who didn't shave his beard or cut his hair because Jesus never did. He then asked if it was against the commandments to have a beard and long hair. And at that moment, my comp turned to me to answer the question. haha it was kinda weird, but I just kinda testified about the commandments we do have, and that long hair and beard wasn't, but it was just kinda weird overall haha.

"Pure love is the true sign of every true disciple of Jesus Christ." (Elder Massimo De Feo)

I know that as we learn to love Christ, and live everyday in loving him, we will be able to receive the blessings he has for us in numerous ways. I know He loves us and that this gospel is true.

Love you all,
Elder Jones

La Cuidad de Santa Cruz