First, it is 100% OK to email me at this address (dbunker@myldsmail.net). Just please include your home address so I can reply by snail mail. I just don't have enough time to reply by email (we only spend about an hour a week at the computer on P-day) to everyone. Regular letters in the mail are great too, because I get them throughout the week, whereas emails I can only check on Mondays.
This has been a great area. This is my first 'real' transfer (a transfer is a 6-week period of time in one place--then you may get transferred to a new area). The house we are living in is one that was donated by a man to the church. Half is dedicated to the LDS Employment services and the other half is for us, the missionaries. It's pretty old, but it does the job. The oven/stove is huge and goes to the ceiling and matches the diswasher, which looks like it could be from the 70's. It probably is.
I had the chance to watch General Conference in Spanish. It is amazing how you can learn even in a new language when the spirit is present. As a missionary, it is very helpful to watch conference. It is said that you can go to Conference with any question in mind, and it will be answered if you pay attention to the words of the Prophet and Apostles and to your feelings. I testify that that is true. As a missionary, we can go with questions in mind about the specific needs of those we are teaching, and they will be answered. That is exactly what happened for me, as I was thinking about the concerns of one investigator. Ideas just kept coming into my mind about how to address them.
There are not too many hispanic people spread out in Ephraim, but there are a few trailer parks where we can find lots of humble, interested people. There is something about teaching someone who is sincerely looking for the same organization of the church that Jesus established, with Apostles & Prophets, etc.
I don't know a lot about soccer (futbol), but I will have to learn because that is a huge thing among hispanics, especially Mexicans. Our district decided to start playing soccer on P-Day (Monday), so I will be able to get better at it.
I keep forgetting to bring my camera cable, but one of these Mondays I will bring it and load up some pictures to send home.
Well, weekends have ceased to exist. Clothes have become "normal clothes" (white shirt, tie, slacks, belt, dress shoes, etc) and "P-Day clothes" (when we are doing activites that would need gym-type clothes). All the days blend together in the work of sharing the word of God. Monday is our only weekend-type day, but even that ends at 6pm and then it's back to missionary work. Tonight we have 7 lessons setup for between 6-9pm. We have to go on splits with a member to cover them all...it will be good.
The weather is cooling down now, for which I am truly greatful. The mission rules require us to wear our suitcoats everywhere we go from October conference until April Conference. Friday it was still really hot (80's - 90's), but Saturday took a huge dip. It was overcast and a little rainy and cool--probably upper 60's & lower 70's. I guess the Lord does watch out for his missionaries.
Well I better get going so I can storm Wal-Mart for a week's worth of supplies. I wish everyone good luck, health, and week! I pray for you every day.
Elder Bunker
