August 4, 2014 - Week 31

Ok... So everything is definitely super different. But, it is also really good. So let`s start with the beginning of this week... Monday in the night time, we went to visit Saùl and he was doing just great. Getting prepared for his baptism and stuff. Then, we told them about the changes. They were sad and said that the didn`t want me to leave, but like as for Saùl... He was still good for baptism! So, that was cool! I said bye to all of them and stuff and it was sad... But I was just so happy that Saùl was making this decision and that he really has just changed so much. It is really so cool to think about how far he has come and progressed. So that happened Monday.

Hermana Whittaker with Familia Portillo

And then came Tuesday.... The hardest day of my mission so far...... So, we went to say goodbye to like ALLLL the families in Itaugua. I was doing pretty good, you know, with saying bye and being ok with it. Everyone was pretty sad and I was like SOOO sad... But, I was trying to keep it all together. So we were about 3 families in and we were walking to the Portillo house and I see Angel. So, I went over to tell him what was happening, and also to give him his triple (cuz he got baptized...the missionaries give a triple). When we told him... He started to cry. And he just threw his arms around me and hugged me. And he just couldn`t stop crying. It was horrible. I felt so sad! So, I have like tears in my eyes and all... Uhhh. It was just so hard! I never would have thought that he would react like that! I couldn`t believe it. So, after that, we went to the Portillo house..... Yeah. I was bawling. It was so hard to say goodbye to them! Even though I know that I will for sure come back to see them before I leave... It was so hard!! Hermana Portillo was just crying, I was crying, EVERYONE WAS CRYING. But, it was ok. Cuz, I know that I will see them again and we will always stay in touch. But, it was still so hard. Then, we went to familia Flores and then Mendez... And then we had a farewell party for Hermana Francois (cuz she finished her mission) and they also kinda made it for me. They made me say some words and like bear my testimony. So that was so sweet of them. I just love Itaugua! And when I told everyone where I was going, they all said... ``Oh! That is so close! We will definitely see you around!`` (Cuz, literally, Aratiri is like 25 minutes away from Itaugua). So it was just a really hard and sad and good few last days in Itaugua.

Hermana Whittaker & Hermana Francois

It was hard to say goodbye to Hermana Morales, but everything will be fine. She is literally like my best friend and I KNOW we will see eachother around. Plus, she told me she is going to go to Utah after the mish... ;)

Ok, so changes. We got to the office like at 7 in the morning on Wednesday and waited around for a while. I got to see like everyone who was in the CCM with me, so that was fun. Then, my companion got there. And we went to my new area! So, it is pretty normal, but a whole lot smaller than Itaugua. Like you can walk the whole thing. So, that was cool. Also, our house is pretty cute. It is just a small house with a small kitchen, bathroom, and two rooms (one to sleep and one to study) and it is in the backyard of a member`s house. I really like it! It was a bit weird at first, only living in two... But I am used to it now and it is fun! Ok. So, now let`s talk about my new companion. Hermana Pelicò is from Guatemala. She is just about done with her mission... Only has 5 weeks left, now. And is awesome! We actually are really good friends and get along great. We both are talking all the time and it is just super fun. I have also learned a lot from her from just watching how she teaches in the lessons and stuff. So things are great with her! I am learning the area and we are getting to know each other. Well, like we are already pretty good friends, so that is really good! :)

Hermana Whittaker & Hermana Pelico

So, Wednesday, we got to know a few people, and then in the night, the ward had an activity for El Dìa de Amistad (Friendship Day). Then, Thursday I got to know a lot of the area and a lot of the members that live in our area. Then, Friday... Was my companion`s birthday! So we kinda just had a party all day. I bought her a cake and then there was a member who gave us hot chocolate to celebrate, and then, at the night, we had a party with the members who live in front of us! They made hotdogs and had a cake for her! So, it was a really fun and special day for her. Then, Saturday comes along, and we did a service activity. We went to a recent convert`s house in the Elders` area (that is another thing... we are like actually friends with the elders here...And it isn`t like that in Itaugua!) and helped them paint their house! It took a while, so that is like all of what we did that day. And then, we watched Charly with them. Which is like a movie about the church... Haha it was so fun and the family is just awesome. They are a complete family that got baptized like 2 months ago and are already preparing to go to the temple in a year. So Saturday was like way fun. Then, Sunday, we went to church, I got to know some more members, and then ate lunch with that same family in the Elders` area to celebrate Hermana Pelicò`s birthday. Then, today.. For P-day, we went to San Lorenzo (which is like WAY close now) to eat Pizza Hut with the elders and some other Hermana`s. Hermana Morales and her companion couldn`t come, but Hermana Meese and her new companion did. It was fun!

Hermana Whittaker & Pelico at mall for P-Day

So, yeah, I miss Itaugua. I love the people and they will always have a special place in my heart. But, so far, Aratiri is awesome and I love this change! It has been going super great here. I am excited to see how things go this change. So, that is about all. I know... It`s like so long. But, so much has happened this week! I am glad that you guys had so much fun, too. Have another great week! 

LOVE, Hermana Whittaker

P.S.--I talked to Hermana Morales and Saùl got baptized this Saturday and he couldn`t be happier!!! :)