New District Leader, Teacher Respect, and Mikaela's Baptism

Bolivia--Country of Intense Peoples

This was another pretty bomb week. 

Bolivians are intense. But I like it. So my companion Elder Alanoca is the man. Intense guy. That means we are going hard out in these streets. This week we were super consecrated. All we talked about was our investigators and improving ourselves as missionaries. Like for 10 minutes we talked girl problems back home (Missionaries who have girlfriends back home get stressed about that stuff. So glad I do not have a girlfriend) and for 30 minutes about the World Cup (He thinks Brazil is good and I think France is better) and literally just the work. It has been awesome because it has brought a ton of miracles. 

Being a district leader has definitely been a learning experience. So before being the district leader Thursdays were the best. We have district meetings those days, and it was great to see the other missionaries and talk about the work. But now Thursdays stress me out. I have to do everything and be the center and the example. And sometimes I put a lot of pressure on myself. But it has been a huge blessing because I have learned a ton. 

So we got asked to teach a lesson in Young Women's about why temple ordinances are important in their lives. They told us 10 minutes before, and it was horrible. We were not super prepared and like all young people, a couple of them were on their phones and talking while we were teaching. Also having two Elders in the young women room is super uncomfortable. So glad that when we teach lessons normally that the people are attentive. My respect for school teachers and those who work with the young men and women definitely went up. I know that right now I sound like some cranky old man complaining about the hooligans of today and how back in my time it was not like that. And I do not want to sound like that. I am just really glad that my calling is a missionary. The people rock and see us as angels. We are out here changing peoples lives. They wait anxiously for us and always go out of their way to help us. Being a teacher of a big class is difficult. 

Using a little bit of English really spices up conversation here. Sorry that sentence sounds a little feminine. But everybody here is trying to learn English, so when I say simple phrases to them in English they really appreciated it. I try greeting them in English and they like it. Super fun times.

We had a baptism this week of Mikaela. This awesome 11 year-old girl. So wonderful and she has an amazing family. She is honestly one of the best people I know. Very nice and she has it together. She is an example to me.

This Saturday we went to a ward activity, and I had the chance to talk to the stake president for an hour in Spanglish. He learned English on his mission so we practiced and talked about life. Very fun and I love the local leaders in Santo Domingo. The bishop was at the activity, and he looked exactly like Dad. He had cargo shorts and converse shoes just like what Dad wears. 

This week flew. I love working hard and losing myself in the needs of others. It really is the secret to happiness. 

Love y'all and sorry if my English stinks. 

Elder Tucker