The Night Walk Home

Yesterday was really neat.

Besides baptizing Hermana Rosa, Elder Kupu, President Jeran and I blessed eleven children.  They ranged in age from just born to 7-years-old.  It was really neat because we could really feel the spirit.  It made me think about that someday when I would be doing the same with a little child of my own.

I felt really good yesterday.  I even didn't mind having chunyo and rabbit (guinea pig) for dinner.

We went over to Ibanez after dinner.  We were supposed to have a Family Home Evening with the branch but nobody showed up.  They are really nice and super humble.

I really enjoy walking home at night from Huayropata.  That mile or so of trail gives me time to think.  I usually look at the lights of Colquiri then gradually get into my mind.  I think of me as a missionary and how the Lord has blessed me with so many things.  I think of the people here, my companion and how neat he is.  I think of my family, my girl and someday of raising a family of my own.  What a great responsibility!

That high mountain air really revives me and I usually get any bad feelings out by the time we get to the room.  Then I sleep like a log.

Today was a learning experience.  It's P-Day but we decided to work anyway.  We had several "citas" set up but not one of them was home.  That is just the way it is in Bolivia.

First Impressions Of The Bolivia La Paz Mission

So much has transpired in the last few days that I don't know where to begin.  Elder Kupu (a native Tongan) and I have been assigned to work in Colquiri.  He is really a super elder.  Colquiri is the location of the highest branch in the world (about 15,000 feet).  I still haven't received my other suitcase, it is still in the Airport I think.

The Mission President met us at the Airpot and took all us to his home.  Hotel, sleep, breakfast, orientation, assignments and we were off.

The city of La Paz is really incredible.  So many colors, varieties, sounds and twists and turns, ups and downs.  We went to mail a latter and buy some warm stuff for Colquiri.  We went to the black market and it was neat.

Right now I am kind of sick.  I really got off to a running start.  The food is taking a while to get used to but so far I have been able to get everything down and keep it down.  Although sometimes I can feel it trying to come up.

From what I hear about Colquiri it is going to be tough.  Elder Kupu and I will be the only missionaries there.  It is a mining town and the people are cold sometimes.  I think that it will be a good way to start.  If I can eat the food and work hard there, then I think that I will be able to work hard everywhere.

I wish I had the gift to be able to express my feelings and thoughts more clearly but alas, I have yet to develop the ability.  Even though this journal may be too boring to re-read or for someone else to read, at least I am keeping with the admonition of President Kimball to maintain a journal.

One of the hardest things for me to keep down is the hot milk.  I have had two glasses now and both times it was a life and death struggle to get it down.  I can feel it right now in my stomach and it doesn't feel good.

In just two days here I have met so many good, kind and humble people.  I really hope that I can learn to love Bolivia and the people.

To change the subject so that I don't lose it from thinking about the milk...  I guess I am only the second (third) new missionary to start in Colquiri.  Elder Hales was first and apprently it has done him good.  He is now one of the Assistants to the President.  I guess President Hill must have a lot of confidence in me.  When Elder Hale was there when there were four missionaries, we will be the only ones.  I hope that I don't let the President, my companero, or any of the others who are supporting me down.  I know that if I can be humble and have the Lord with me all the time then I can't help but do good.