Sirviendo en Honduras: Exchanges= Slumber Party--Nov 9, 2015

This week has gone by super fast. I had an exchange on Wednesday. My companion went with Elder Xol, the district leader, and I went with Elder Penalba, who is a gringo believe it or not. I got to go to his area--it was really cool. It was all flat which was crazy. The most memorable lesson was with a guy named John. He's from Roatan, and he insisted we teach in English. He had so many questions about the church. He really just loved to learn! He's having trouble getting ready for baptism because he drinks coffee, but we taught him about the importance of faith in the Word of Wisdom and in our prophets. Then we taught about church history because he was so interested. I stayed at the other elder's house. It was really interesting since I've never seen another house or area before.

Ben and Elder Penalba

After teaching a lesson, I helped prepare spices to sell the next day

Today for P Day we played basketball, went to the store and did a little service. It doesn't sound like much, but to me it was perfect. It's awesome seeing the other missionaries, and since the only sport that exists here is soccer, I love the opportunity to play some basketball.

This sunburn hurt, but it thankfully it healed quickly!

My Spanish is improving but there's a TON to learn. I can usually express myself, but understanding people is harder. What's fun is that every person I meet wants me to teach them a word in English. It's definitely coming along, but I have a whole language to memorize! The lessons are the easiest, and that's a big portion of what I speak, so I would say the language is going pretty well.

My stomach is 100% better now, but it was rough while I had it.

$$--Every 15 days we both get 100 dollars or 2000 lempiras. Then we get another 200 bucks every month for the apartment and utilities. We have to run down to the gas station to use the ATM, but only twice a month. The money they give us is totally enough. Especially because I like to save money and spend it carefully. My companion thinks I'm stingy or tacano, but he barely gets by sometimes. :)

Just joking! Missionary humor!

Life is changing so fast back at home. It's weird thinking that everyone else is still growing up, even though I don't see them--like Hannah in YW! Crazy! I kinda wish everything would be exactly the same when I get home, but at the same time, it's awesome how you guys are improving and growing.

Greenie Package!

I'm not sure if I'll have Elder Nunez as my trainer for 12 weeks. He has been here for three changes already, so I might end up with a padrastro (stepfather). I hope not, and you never know, he might get 4 changes here. We talk all the time--in the house and in the street. His English is better than I thought and my Spanish isn't bad. I would rather keep Elder Nunez at least till Christmas. I'm sure I"ll enjoy other companions, but he's my dad, you know?

I don't use the blanket to sleep often, trust me! I'm glad I have it though. After falling asleep sweating with a fan on you, you can wake up a little cold.