awkwardness

So this week has been really fun and also really awkward. I continue to do things that my companions find hilarious and we continue to get to know each other a little better. Now that we're halfway through, it's weird to think my trainer will be leaving soon. I feel like I hardly know anything and we continue to study hard but the last few days have been crazy busy. On Monday we went to Walmart, which took forever! We went to the mall beforehand for the bank and food court. Domino's has never tasted so good. Also, I really want to go shopping there; it is enormous and has loads of American stores and others I've not heard of. I think the mall is called Parque Tezontle. Anyways, Walmart. Oh gosh was it busy. We stood in line for an hour, not moving. I still don't know why it took so long but we are going again today so my companion can print some pictures. Hopefully there won't be so many people. It was as if I were back in the States with all the Latinos in Virginia crammed into the store. 

     On Saturday we had a mission conference with Elder Christensen and his wife. They both speak Spanish which was nice. I also got to sit next to two of my MTC district hermanas. My companions and I couldn't find seats together so I volunteered to sit somewhere else (I recognized Hermana Lopez's bag) and then Hermana Gurley's companion was in the choir so she sat with us as well. We also took a massive photo of all the missionaries and it took them forever to organize it. We were standing in place for at least an hour waiting. My last MTC friend was at the hospital with her companion who is not doing so well. If she doesn't get better by the end of this week, she might have to go home.

MTC friends reunited at the mission conference.

We went and visited them at the hospital and did splits so Hermana Taylor (my friend) could get some rest. Hermana Mercedes stayed behind at the hospital for a day. And oh goodness is the heart of Mexico City different from where I am. It is better-kept and reminds me of European cities. Where we are living and serving is quite run-down compared to it. But I do love it. The people make it worth living here. 

     So my awkward encounter of the week . . . Last Thursday we came out of an awesome lesson and saw a couple walking down the street. We had been told there was a Dominican man who wanted to speak with us and we thought it was him. My companions contacted him and all he says is "what?" Turns out he is from London and doesn't speak any Spanish. So I contacted him, got his information and planned to call him Saturday morning to set up an appointment. We didn't have any minutes left so I texted him instead which is why we have this great record of what went down. Let me just say that I was trying to make the best of a bad situation . . .

Me: Hi Roland! This is Hermana Bennett from Thursday. Is there a time we could meet tonight or tomorrow to talk more about families?

Roland: Hi Bennett, happy to hear from you. Sorry to ask you a question. Are you married or do you have a boyfriend?

Me: No I'm not. As missionaries we leave all that behind for the duration of our mission. We teach the doctrine of Christ which focuses on families and how to prepare for the life after this one.

Roland: Okay Bennett. I'm not going to hide or shy away anything from you. The girl you saw that night was my ex-girlfriend, she is getting married soon. I'm alone, I really need a relationship and that is why I asked if you are single, so we can get along dear. Thank you and God bless you dearest.

Me: Well, we're here to help others come unto Christ, so if you change your mind, there are missionaries in London who would be happy to teach you. Mormon.org is also a great resource for any questions.

Roland: Okay dear, I'm with Christ already in my life, just needed you to be complete. Thanks a lot dear.

Yup. That happened. My companion knows enough English that she translated it for a few people and they all cracked up. It is pretty funny and while I expected some unwanted advances, I didn't think it'd come from an Englishman. None of the locals have been so forward, thank goodness. I later found out he is here for both work and vacation; he is a boxer/fighter from Croydon, London. I just hope I don't run into him again . . . that would be awkward. 

  The rest of the week has been busy with lessons and meetings. We did attend a baptism yesterday, and that was really nice. We also took some things to an investigator and less-active member who have an almost-2-year-old. They are not doing well financially so some women in the ward got some items together. We drove over and somehow managed to fit four of us in two seats. My trainer was in a car seat and the other three of us in the other seat. They don't really use seatbelts here, and as long as everyone fits, most taxis don't care how many people you cram in. It's always an adventure getting a ride from the members, I've never seen so many people in a small space!

How many sister missionaries can you fit into a car?

So this morning Hermana Taylor and I were talking about the 2nd Coming and what the scriptures say about it. A few days ago I was reading in Ecclesiastes 3, about how there is a time for everything. It hit me that right now is the time for missionary work. As one of my teachers in the MTC commented, the Church has only done two worldwide leadership conferences, the second was last year and focused on missionary work. Help the missionaries, think about those you can help with the Gospel, visit less-active members. Do what you can to reach out to those around you and share the good news of the Gospel. It is true and it will change your life and the lives of those around you, if you let it. So let it!

     I love you all. Have a great week!

Love,

Hermana Bennett

Celebrating a missionary's birthday.

Cleaning the apartment veranda.