The flight from Mexico to Chile must have
gotten struck by radioactive lighting or something because when I arrived, it
felt like New York in the 20`s/30`s. You know that classic scene of a bunch of
people with ripped up clothes huddling over a fire outside their house. That is
what it`s like here in Lota. The air is filled with the strong smell of burning
coal and fireworks( don’t know why) and most of the houses were probably
temporarily built but then used for a hundred years. Before I go further, I
don`t want this to sound negative or anything because after the initial culture
adjustment (i`m not calling it culture shock) I really love it here. The
strange thing is, most of the houses here don`t look like they should have
electricity, let alone people living in it, but everybody, and let me repeat,
everybody has a nice TV. I have not gone into a single house without a TV. And
it is always on. I think I talked about that in my previous letter but turning
on the TV is just as important as the lights in the house.
Alright, the moment you have all been waiting
for: the food of Chile. Por lo menos my area.
Step one, you usually eat a soup or a salad or
bread to start the meal and you eat it until you are completely stuffed
(because that is how much they give you) afterwards they bring out a big plate
that is literally layered with about an inch thick of mashed potatoes or rice
stuff then on top of that they give you a big piece of meat. If I were asked
what the hardest part of the mission has been so far, it would be finishing the
lunches. I usually reach my limit after a couple bites of the second course
then I just put food in my mouth and hope that I will eventually be able to
swallow. And I have come so close to throwing up many times. Like to the point
where I am fighting back the gag reflex. The food here is absolutely delicious
but there is just way too much. Because the lunches are so big, we don’t really
eat breakfast or dinner. Every once in a while I´ll eat something before bed
but other than that, it´s just lunch. and a lot of it.
My Spanish has gotten so much better since I
first got here. The first couple of days it was like 5% to 95% that I
understand. but now it´s a good 50 50. I am even talking in lessons about 40%
of the time. Which is way better than only "buenas" and
"chow."
Man, you could seriously write a book with the
experiences I have had already. I just wish I had more time to talk about it
all. To my district at the CCM: I love you guys and I hope all of you are
having as much fun as I am. Also, I loved hearing from you.
Family: Thanks for the prayers and the support.
I can´t wait for the day that we can skype.
Shoot, out of time. Alright till next week.
Also, my come is going home next week so I don´t know where ill be. Also also,
I put more stuff up on dropbox.
Love you guys!
Paul
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