10 May 2009

Mother's Day Phone Call

Johnathon called home and we were able to talk to him for almost 2 hours. (It takes that long to get through the family!) He sounded great!!! You can tell he is really picking up the language because he is speaking with a Hispanic accent and switches his nouns and adjectives. He is loving every moment of his mission and can't believe he is already in his eighth month. He said that the seasons are changing and cooling off. He won't see much snow unless he gets transferred to an area with mountains. Because it rains a lot (and he didn't have his coat with him one day) John has water proofed his suit with the waterproofing spray we would use on camping equipment.
Johnathon has managed to put on 11 pounds and says he is eating well---for once in his life he is having to exercise! He says that the thing about Argentina that is the hardest for him is that HUGGING is a Big part of the Argentine culture and Johnathon has always been a hugger! He says that it is hard to see everyone hugging each other and as a missionary he can only shake their hands. He said that he would love to receive more pictures. We have been sending them via email but he can't print them off his email to show others so we will be sending him a package of pictures soon. Johnny said that his packages get there in about 2 weeks. The Missionaries have to open the package right there at the Post Office in front of the Postal workers who often times steal things they want. Johnny hasn't had anything taken, We always hide items in Candy boxes which they don't seem too interested in. He is loving his companionship with Elder Peni but thinks that they will be split up with the next transfer. They still run into the young man from Africa but not consistently enough to get a commitment for baptism. He was excited to hear about Matt Caulford's call and asked how all the other buddies are doing---he would love to hear from them more!
Finally Johnny said to give a big hello to everyone. . . so HELLO!!!