Yep, I got transferred. I can't say it was a huge surprise, but I was definitely hoping to stay another 6 weeks where I was. But alas. It wasn't to be. I just hope and pray that I was able to help Elder P learn the area well enough to take over with his new companion. Elder P came to me directly from a missionary who had served in my area before. And this Elder didn't have a lot of good to tell him about Arroyo before he came to me. So he came with a bit of a bad attitude (he obviously would never want to admit it, but just to look at him, one would have a hard time believing that he is enjoying himself). So that made me even more sad leaving the area knowing that my happy attitude would no longer be there. I hope I was able to help Elder P learn to love the area in the same way I do. But I fear I failed in that aspect...even though I worked really really hard to help Elder P find the same joy I had found in Arroyo. But I have hope that his attitude will change drastically rather quickly. We had an experience that I'm sure will help out with this. We received a text from one of our member families before I left which basically said, "Goodbye Elder Ostler! We will miss you! Things won't be the same without you." Elder P was a bit offended. He made the comment under his breath "Don't they realize I'm still going to be here?" So, in an effort to help them realize that not everything was going to change (Elder P would still be there) we replied with something to the effect of, "Don't worry, Elder P will still be here!" They replied with: "Hmm maybe...Well anyways, we want you to come eat with us one last time before you leave. When can you come?" I'm sure they weren't trying to be rude, but that was not the reply that Elder P was hoping for. I'm sure it was a bit of an awakening moment to him. And because I wanted to make sure he understood, I told him, "Well, I've told you all transfer....Smile Elder P! They will love it!" A slightly awkward silence followed. But that was ok with me. I hope that someday soon he finds as much joy as I had there.
Oh man, leaving was difficult. Super tough. I had so many wonderful learning experiences in my first area. So many wonderful people to say goodbye to. And now, here I am. New everything. The possibilities are endless...probably because I don't know ANYTHING yet. I have been here for about an hour. I'm the newbie to the area. The only difference is I feel like a better prepared newb than I was almost 6 months ago ;)
In my new area the ward is apparently WAY WAY bigger than my last ward (miles wise). But there are only 4 Elders here in this ward. Apparently this area doesn't have as large of a Spanish speaking population. We have a car. My bike got parked in the members garage. And there it will stay... for who knows how long. I think I will miss riding my bike. But that is ok. It shouldn't take too long getting used to relaxing in the car between appointments rather than sweating on the bike.
My new companion's name is Elder Martinez. He is a NATIVE! Woot Woot! I'm thinking that this is a direct answer to my prayers to Heavenly Father for extra help with my Spanish.
We live with a member family. We actually live in a room of the house rather than in our own apartment like we were blessed to have while living with the Cowin family in Arroyo. So it will be a little different. But I think I'm going to like it a lot. They seem awesome!
Well,
Hasta luego mi familia!
I love you all so much!
Elder Ostler
