Broadening my horizons - 11/26/12

What a week. I burnt myself out trying to work too hard, for which I was reprimanded by the mission nurse. I took a four hour nap the next day, which helped a little. Exchanges day turned into errand-running day, with a trip to the mission office, a service project that I wasn't allowed to help with, and a surprise apartment inspection. We fixed the broken toilet and the light in the living room that day, so I consider that an accomplishment. I wish I had paid more attention when Dad fixed things around the house, because I feel kind of inadequate when things break and I don't know how to fix it. Luckily that's what the apartment maintenance guy is for.

Thursday was full of fun and way more food that I probably should have eaten. We had two meal appointments that day, one in the early afternoon and one in the evening, and they were both delicious. I started having sharp pains in my abdomen that day, but I'm kind of hoping it was just gas, or overeating.

I became very sentimental this week. I was sitting there with my miracle convert family  and realized how much like family I felt when I was at their house. I felt very loved, very comfortable, and very much at home. It was so powerful it brought a tear to my eye. I really and truly love these people, and I'm so happy to serve with them.

I also got sentimental when we put up the Christmas tree and lights that we found in the apartment closet. I will always love that about the holidays, seeing the bright shining lights of the Christmas tree when the room is dark and silent. It's a very special thing to me. Even if it's only a fake tree that's a foot tall. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing a real live tree at my Ward Mission Leader's house. I smelled it the moment I set foot in the house. Love that smell.

Saturday morning, President Smart called us about Elder "A" serving as a Zone Leader in Yucaipa. We were both pretty excited about that. As much as we loved teaching together, we drove each other crazy in the time that we spent not doing missionary work.

He's going to be a Zone Leader in Yucaipa. I thought for sure I'd stick around and recover some more, since I still hurt and I'm still taking naps and taking narcotics. Well, that's not the case, as I discovered at 10:20 on Saturday night. I'm being transferred to Murrietta.

Well, by the time church rolled around, I was done being upset, and we ran around making our goodbyes and taking pictures. I'm so happy that I got to spend time here, and I'm super grateful for the ties I've made. Hopefully I can keep writing these people and start work in my new area even though I'm not 100%. My ride will be taking me there this afternoon. Wish me luck.