Hola!!!
Spanish is still coming. We study
specific individual topics at a time. And while I'm studying these
individual concepts of the Spanish language, I feel like I have a pretty good
comprehension and understanding of it. In fact, when we are focusing on
these topics, one at a time, I completely own it! It's awesome! But
then, after the studying, comes the moment where I have to use multiple
concepts at once while I'm teaching a lesson, or when I'm trying to use Spanish
to talk to my companion, district or teachers. And it is in these moments
where I really struggle. So, I just keep trying and hoping that it will
begin to click.
Something from General Conference that I'm
trying to enact in my life is: I need to enjoy the Journey rather than focus
solely on the Finish Line. This was from President Uchtdorf's
talk. I realized that it's easy for me to get stuck focusing on the
finish line of Spanish fluency. But, the fact is, that this is something
I will have to strive for throughout my entire mission. Spanish fluency
is not a finish line it's a journey. Even in English, a language I am
"fluent" in, there are always things that I can learn to better my
communication skills. If there wasn't, then why would they have English
Class for students who are already "fluent" in the language?
So, while I'm not yet where I want to be as far as my Spanish communications
skills are concerned, I am striving to enjoy the journey more. It's good
to have goals, but I can't let my goal of becoming fluent in Spanish stop me
from enjoying the journey towards reaching that goal. And as I have been
trying to enjoy the journey more, I have come to realize just how far I have
come already! Remember Dad when I used to come to you the night before one of
my Spanish speaking tests in high school? With your help, I would pretty
much write out a script of what I was going to say, and then simply memorize
that script for the speaking test. Oh the memories! :) Well,
something tells me that I wouldn't need your help in preparing a script to
memorize any more. In fact, I don't think it would be too much of a
stretch to believe that I wouldn't even need to prepare a script at all!
;) Just thinking about this helps me realize that I have definitely
traveled a pretty respectable distance along this Spanish fluency journey.
I hosted this week. It was a pretty
cool experience. I only got to host one Elder though. There were a
couple hundred missionaries that were aiding in the hosting this past Wed so
only a few lucky hosts got to have the privilege of hosting more than one
Elder. With so many missionaries hosting, I'm guessing it will be pretty
difficult to pull off hosting Jacob. But, I will still try.
Hopefully I will be able to run into him at the very least before I leave the
MTC. But Anyway, it was such a sweet experience getting to host. My
new missionary was going to Argentina! And he was really excited.
As I watched his family bid him farewell, it brought back that bittersweet
moment where my family bid me adios as well. Being a part of his family's
last moment with him for the next two years as an observer was just
awesome. While he was talking to his sisters, and his mom was trying to
fight back the tears, I asked his mother, "Is this your first
missionary?" She turned to me, and still struggling to fight back the
tears said, "Yes, he's a great boy." And then she pointed her
finger at me and said, "You better take good care of him." She
was serious. She wanted to make sure her son was going to be ok. I
guaranteed her that I would take care of him (what else can I do?). Part
of me could see my mom standing there telling my host the same thing.
Behind every missionary, there is a loving mom. A mom who is going to miss their son or their
daughter. But a mom who knows that serving a mission is the best thing even
though it's hard to say goodbye. I love you mom.
Helen is gone. She left on Wed I
think. Now she is doing the real deal in the Temple Square Visitor's Center!
I was finally able to get a picture with her too! So that was fun!
I'm going to need you to send me the SD card that I sent home before I can send
you the one I currently have.
They let us send a handwritten letter home
after Saturday's Priesthood Session of conference. Did you get that
yet? I already told you this in that letter, but I will get to call home
before I get on the plane to go to California! I'm super duper excited
for that. Still don't have any more details yet because we have not
received our travel plans yet. But I will let you know as soon as I know.
If I understand correctly, next week, our last
full week in the MTC, has the schedule changed up a bit. I think my Pday
next week is on Saturday instead of Friday. But I'm not sure.
Love you all,
Elder Ostler
