Living the "High Life" but missing Small and Simple Things

Outside of the Meeting House
My new Companion
The View From My Apartment
How are you all? I hope you’ve had a wonderful week. Yes, Hermana McGaughy and I both had transfers, but we know we would. We left everyone in good shape. I’m not worried about Clemente. He’ll be a strong member of the gospel his whole life. The other day we watched a video called ¨By Small and Simple Things.¨ It’s about the ripple effect of missionary work. I started crying and was filled with peace and joy as I thought about Clemente and know that he would one day serve a mission…one day in only three years. Through him, many will come to know the gospel. Then I thought about how many have come to know the gospel through the missionaries who taught Dad. We are so blessed to have this gospel.
So, where am I? Xela…Xela Xela. I’m right in the middle of Quetzaltenango. The upper of the upper class here in Guatemala. At first there was a bit of culture shock. I came from an area where only three member have cars, and old cars for the most part. Few members had tables and electricity. Even less running water. For doors we used curtains. People ate rice and tortillas every day, every meal, because they’re cheap. Bathes happened in big buckets. .. Now I’m living in an area of American Standards. We live in a real house, with real rooms and a shower and wooden doors. We even have a little bit of carpet. I miss the simple out doors of the mountain homes.
But, I feel really good in this new area. I feel like it’s my home. I love Guatemala. I don’t want to leave. For the first time yesterday, I felt like this country really is a part of me and where I belong. I think I’ll be in this area for a long time.
It’s known for not having success. But we’re going to have success here. I can feel it in my soul. I’ve been here for less than a week, but everyone and everything seems familiar to me.
My new companion is named Hermana Hernandez. We are going to learn a lot from one another and are really blessed to be companions.
I love the mission. I love being a missionary. I belong here. I wouldn’t change these experiences for all the American, healthy whole grains in the world. …But I do miss them.
I miss you all and love you all so much. Your letters help so much! Keep writing. Keep giving me the encouragement and motivation to do all I can to do everything I can to serve the people here in Guatemala.

Love, Hermana Finch