Saturday, February 8, 2014

Salutations from Chile!

So I've been speaking a lot more English now, because I work in the Mission Office.  And I've realized just how bad my English is now.  All mixed up, mumble-jumbled with Spanish.  Oh well, asi es.  [That's the way it is.]  Shuta, la licera.

The Mission Office is cool.  It's fascinating to see all the machinations that go on behind 200 missionaries in the South of Chile.  Let's just say there's a lot of work, a lot of planning, and not all of it is glorious.

My companion is dying, or rather, leaving the mission, in 4 days.  He's pretty trunky (unfocused, thinking about home) but I can't blame him too much.

An apostle is coming to Chile!  All of the missionaries in the Chile Osorno Mission will get to attend a special training with him on next Monday, and I might be playing violin in a special musical number.  We'll see!

The other day my companion and I contacted a deaf woman in the street.  Afterwards, as I was pondering the encounter, I realized that if you go deaf, your ability to speak probably deteriorates with time.  This occurred to me because, even though I don't understand all of Spanish, I know whatever the lady was saying was definitely not Spanish, or English, or really communication at all.  The conversation went something like this (translated)

Missionaries:  Hola!  How are you?  How's your day?

Lady:  Biiuuugggnnn!  (Bien-Good)

Missionaries (now realizing this was probably going to be difficult):  We would like to share a message about Jesús Christ with you!

L:  UUUGGGGHHHNNN

M:  Could we take your address and come visit you and talk more?

L:  HHHNNNGGG  NNNGG (motioning frantically at ears)

M:  Oh!  You're deaf! ...shoot.  Well, hopefully we'll knock your door and we can talk later!  Have a good day!

L:  CHAAAUNN  (Tchao - Bye)

Always interesting, the mission.  I love you guys.  Keep me in your prayers!
-Elder Thomas Crotzer

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