"Estoy aquí hace tres días"

This one's gonna be a doozy; this week has been the best, worst, most exciting, confusing, overwhelming week of my life. Estoy perdido!!!

Let's start with the end and share a little  something that has helped me get through this week: D&C 123:17 "Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." This week has been really hard and it's been difficult to know where to start. I'm overwhelmed with the language, new people and new country. It has undoubtedly been a practice of patience. (A trait I no longer want to pray for hahaha) Everyday, all I can do, all any of us can do, is to try our best, then stand still. Missionary work so far seems like mostly rejected invitations, but I know I can be fulfilled in knowing I did what I could. I'm grateful for my Savior. I'm grateful that this work is in His hands and not mine. I'm grateful for all those who pray for missionaries; they probably need it. I'm grateful to find personal comfort in Scripture. D&C 6:36 "Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not. 37 Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven."

So beginning on Monday of last week! 

-We said goodbye to some amazing people! The MTC was an amazing experience with wonderful people. Daily we were immersed in the Spirit and felt the love of God from scripture, music, and from others. Hermano Larkin in particular, (pic in front of mountains) was such an amazing example. Our district grew together thanks to him. So grateful for everyone I got to spend time with there. Also so grateful for my comp Elder Bailey. He is maybe the most friendly guy ever and we worked and grew together. 

-We were up at 3:30 am to get to the airport. Flight to Atlanta, then another flight to Madrid. We arrived at 9 in the morning and were ready and energized after all the sleep on the plane!! (Lie) 

-We met the Mission President (Obando) and had interviews. Don't remember much, it was a bit of a haze. We also went out contacting that night. Wild to try to talk to people in Spanish about the gospel. As a general rule of thumb, Latinos (not Spaniards) are the goto. They are actual angels. Still practicing being bold and talking to strangers. Typically the walking up is harder than any rejection. 

-On Thursday I met my comp, Elder Price. He is from Arizona and has been out 10 months. I also found out that we are going to Cáceres and were whitewashing. He is also the new DL. "Don't worry," he says, "Im just as lost as you are" Those words were probably not what I needed, but you know, always appreciate the honesty. 

-Took a train out to Cáceres and talked to a guy in English for probably 4 hours. Super nice guy, atheist, but super open to talk. Juan was his name and the name of almost everyone we meet.  Lots of people speak English which is kind of killing me cause I need to learn, but whatever. Patience remember?

-Our first day we had no way to contact anyone or learn about the members, so we just walked around and got lost in a new city. Everyday we also have mediodía from 1-2:30 when people take siestas or whatever. It's just a time to study and eat lunch. We also wake up an hour later and go to bed an hour later in this mission.

- Talked to interesting people in the street. One lady was talking about reincarnation and another was Pentecostal, but super nice. Our preach to, vs preached at ratio is not looking good. It's really nice to at least have people talk to us, even if they're not interested. It's just funny being a missionary. Lots of staring until we get near and then it's looking away. Also turns out we're in a "secta" (cult) darn it. Also turns out "culta" here means church, but who knows.

-Met the branch at an activity and at church. They are super nice, especially the ones from South America (most of them are). I also got to play the piano, so I didn't feel so useless. Also got a chocobanana which is potentially the best thing I have eaten all week. So grateful for their kindness. 

If you got this far it probably means you're my mom or my grandma. I love y'all to the moon and back. I miss you a million.

All love, Elder Dougall

PS: the capes aren't what they look like pls don't get mad. Look up "Sagrada Semana"