Milanesa Miracle
11/9/16
What’s up fam!?! Hope you’re all doing well. Things are going pretty well here. We got new roommates again, after having a whole week without any, so that was an adjustment. There’s one that is just..ugh. I’d tell you about it but it’s a rather long story, & also quite trivial. I’ll get over it. Now to the good stuff. 2 days after last p-day started out as the worst day I had ever experienced in the CTM thus far. (Sorry about the structure of that last sentence, Eu nao falo ingles.) The one new roommate that’s been giving me problems decided to flip on the lights to wake us all up, & I was like, “Oh heck to the nao.” (She doesn’t anymore btw) Then I had to change clothing in the bathroom b/c I was not yet comfortable changing in front of our new friends (& I don’t mean the gnats.) And then for physical activity, we usually play volleyball, but because it rained the night before, the court was slippery & we had to go to the gym instead. Plus the Elder I have been struggling with was on one. BUT THEN…(Brace yourself for tender mercies) FOR LUNCH WE HAD MILANESAS!!! I can’t explain my feelings. I seriously almost cried. They even had some lime juice w/cilantro to put on it & holy cow. It was probably the best milanesa I’ve ever had. (Sorry Dad. It could also be because I hadn’t had one in ages & it was sent from God.) But seriously, I know it sounds dumb because it was just food but it literally turned my day around. [A milanesa is a pounded out, lightly bread, fried steak- South American staple which we make every once in awhile & one of Aundrea’s favorite foods]
Anyway, the other day I had an English Fast (where I only speak Portuguese all day or at least did my best.) He would allow me to feel the Love of Christ for the Elder I have been struggling with. I came to the conclusion that I, myself, do not have the capability to love this kid, but God sure does. And honestly, the results were not quite what I had expected. As I reflected on that day I realized I hadn’t felt the intense frustration that usually came with hearing his voice. The next few days were the same. No frustration. Then yesterday, I was watching him trying to explain a question to our instructor, & I thought to myself, “I love that kid.” Then I was like “Whaaaaaaat?!?! So that was cool.
Anyway, I am officially on week 5. 2nd oldest district in the CTM. Never thought I’d get this far. Time really does fly, even when we are working 15 hour days. That is not an exaggeration, I counted. I am just so ready to leave the CTM, in all honesty. I mean it’s great & I love learning but it is the same thing every single day. Always. 12 hours in a class room. Rice & beans. Same people. Same Hymns. Sorry, that was disrespectful. Every other day we do divisoes (splits), & do member lessons (TRC’s). The only break is P-day (aka the love of my life) & Sunday, when we have 3 hours of free time. Oh & proselyting, which is also a blast. Scary but so fun. I’ll get through it. The church is still true. I love this gospel & I am forever grateful for Christ’s Atonement so I am never alone, even when I may feel like it.
(Special advice for siblings but for all of us too) Be strong, & of good courage. Don’t let fear get the better of you. You are a disciple of Christ & a child of God, & you can do this. Whatever it is you need to do. I love you, & I advise you to imagine Christ standing just behind you smiling & giving you an encouraging thumbs up. He loves you so much. Your life is priceless to Him, & to everyone who knows you. You are a blessing to everyone around you & I miss you a ton. I can’t actually hug you right now so here’s a drawing of us hugging. Anyway, love ya, hope you’re having a good time. Love you all! Don’t worry about me. I haven’t been mugged yet. See ya in 17 meses! Love, Sister Evans