Hola!
On Friday I received word that I am going to be transferred to Ciudad del Este! Ciudad del Este is on the border of Paraguay and Brazil. I will have to take a 6 hour bus ride from Encarnacion to there. Its famous among missionaries because you can buy whatever you want for very cheap. Ciudad del Este is unique in that everyone there also speaks Portuguese in addition to Spanish. So in the entirety of Paraguay there is a Guaranì and Spanish mix called joparà. In Ciudad del Este, joparà also adds different words and grammar of Portuguese. So a ton of the people there essentially speak all 3 languages into one mixed language. In addition to going to a new area, I am going to be finishing the training of my new companion. I’m excited but also nervous. There are a lot of unknowns and things that seem intimidating. But nonetheless I will trust in the Lord and try my best to move forward with faith!
This week we also had a lot of splits with different Elders. We started off on Wednesday by going on splits with the Assistants. That was a lot of fun, we had lots of success in Ita Paso. Then the next day on Thursday we dropped the Assistants off at the bus terminal to head back to Asuncion, and then started splits with our Zone Leaders in their area. We also had a lot of success in their area as well. We were constantly moving from area to area this week. That combined with me going to Ciudad del Este tomorrow, I’ll look forward to when I can stay put in an area for more than a day or two. But, the splits this week helped me see ways and means in which I can work more effectively. It’s natural to not want to leave our comfort zones, but most of the time it’s for our good. I’m learning that lesson more and more every day.
The past couple of days I have been saying goodbye to all the members in Ita Paso. I didnt think it was going to be too tough, but when the time came to wave my hand goodbye and walk away, I felt kind of sad. I have grown very close to these members, friends, and people here in Encarnacion. Last night I found comfort in the words of the Hymn, “God Be with You Till We Meet Again”.
God be with you till we meet again;
By his counsels guide, uphold you;
With his sheep securely fold you.
God be with you till we meet again.
These words don’t only have to apply to when we are leaving people we love for a while. This past week there has been lots of sickness in Encarnacion. There are several members of several branches who have passed away. It’s always sad when someone passes away, but that sadness does not have to be permanent. We know that through the Plan of Salvation we can see each other again. The words of this Hymn will ring true as long as we hold on to what we know is true.
Have a good week everyone!
Elder Watson
