7-30-09 Email - Subject: The Countdown

Hey there> This week has been really great. Not as much teaching and such but more of spiritual lessons, questions about spanish, and going over our purpose and how to better serve. We haven't put a whole lotta focus on the Lessons, don't know why but it's been an obvious change. > We went to the temple today, like every Thursday, but this time we ate at the temple cafeteria. When we and my comp got to the register the lady told us you could only pay with cash or check and neither of us had enough cash and neither of us had checks either, luckily a member was there and she came over and wrote a check for both of us. I felt guilty eating my food, but she said that that was the easiest way she has ever fed the missionaries. > But yeah, I'm definitely getting nervous to leave. It's gonna be a huge shock of culture and of a work shift. I mean we work hard here, but I don't even know whats gonna hit me once I get to the field. Luckily, I've got a lot of help from other places than my own body and mind.> I really can't wait to teach real people who will actually be permanently influenced by the things I teach them and the things they feel when I share what I know. > We had the language planning meeting for missionaries leaving teaching us how to study once we get in the field. They told us that they rate language skills on a scale of 1-7. They had samples of people learning English and had exaples of each skill level. They played a level 2 and 3 and then the 7. They asked these samples a question about baptism and the missionary would answer. Level 2 really said nothing coherent. Level 3 said a few words that I understood like baptism and important and something that sounded like 'a new door to a life'. And then they told us that the level 3 was the average missionary that leaves the MTC. Are people really that dumb? :P I really feel like I am at least a 6. I might be limited in vocabulary, but I know what I am saying and I know what other poeple say to me. So I feel confident at the moment comparatively to the average. Although I do know I am gonna get kicked in the juevos when I actually get out there.> I'm starting to wish that I would have bought some more music while I was at home. MOTAB gets boring after a while. > Anyway, this week went well. My companion and I get along great and have fun together. I just hope I get a good trainer. Hopefully a native with a good work ethic. Hah sounds rare to me, but it's possible. > I don't really know what else to say. This tuesday we taught lesson 2 in Spanish again and it went well. Things are fine and Im felling healthy and ready to leave.> Next time I email, I'll be in Costa Rica!> -Elder Harrison Smith> > > Family- I hope that all is well on the beach. Gah. It was awesome to hear your voice through the phone though mom! My retainer got fixed fine.. sorta. They did it too tight or something so now one of the teeth taht the retainer is glued to is being pushed out, sorta making a gap, but who cares. > I have some stuff I will be sending home soon. I have two of the USPS white read and blue boxes that you sent filled up with stuff coming home. I should probably get you a hand written letter, but I really dont ahve much time. I dont know how the mailing is in Costa Rica eitehr, but it might be a good idea to let people know on facebook and the blog that im gonna be in costa rica and to send their letters there...> Um I dont know what else. I love you tons. Miss ya a lot and I pray for you every night. Be safe!