Numero 29 ~ Ocotal

Well hey everyone! Sorry I didnt send out a big email last week. It was a crazy p-day and I didnt have much time to write so I wasnt able to send out a big email. 

My comp and I got changed last week to a place called Ocotal. It is super close to the border of Honduras. We both got moved up here and now we are opening up a new area again here in Ocotal. It is super nice here. It is not hot at all and the people are super nice. It is such a big difference from the people of Sebaco haha. There were already 4 missionaries here and we are 6. I am excited to be able to open up another area again with my comp. All of our last p-day we had to look for a house but we found a tiny little bedroom and bathroom that we are living in now. The good thing is its super clean. That was definitely something we wanted to change coming up here to Ocotal. It is super small but it doesnt matter to if because it is pretty clean. The one thing is that the water here is soooo cold. We always have cold water in all areas but here it is way colder than I have ever experienced. I have to work myself up some courage to be able to hop in the shower. Its good though, it wakes me up. 

 

The area here is even bigger than Sebaco. That is why I think they sent more missionaries here. It is separated from everyone. It is about 2 hours from Esteli and about 4 or 5 hours from Managua. The church only has 4 years here in Ocotal. We meet in a house. The house doesnt even have the plaque of the name of the church outside. We dont even have a pulpit in the sacrament meeting so the people who are giving talks just stand in front of everyone. I have always wanted to be in a branch this small. It is so crazy how everything is the exact same in a tiny little house as to my house where we have huge churches that are full of people, nothing changes. The person with the most time in the church here has about 4 years of being a member of the church. It is tiny here. I am excited to work with 6 missionaries here to be able to grow the branch here a little bit. The attendence this sunday wasnt bad though we had 50 people show up. 

Well I turned 19 this week too. I didnt do much, it was a pretty normal day. I rocked a new tie my mom sent me and ate a really big bowl of cereal so I feel like I celebrated pretty good haha. A birthday is just another day here in the mission, but it was good. It is crazy to think that I only have 1 birthday and 1 christmas left! Oh and I also hit 7 months this week too. The time is flying by. 

 

John lives on sugar cereal (and candy) when he is home

 I just want to give a shoutout to everyone that wished me happy birthday. Thank you so much! It was much appreciated! Thank you for remembering your boy down here in Nica!! haha

We are doing good here Elder Lainez and I. We are working hard up here in Ocotal. 

I love you all. I hope you guys have a great week!

Adio