15/2/16

Woo we survived the Carnavales! It was 3 days filled with intense
struggle against the mind to keep sane. Well, maybe not too intense.
We spent the time just chilling, reading the scriptures and watching
movies. Not very exciting to write about, sorry.

The good news is that Wednesday, when we were set free, we went out to
proselyte with renewed eagerness. We managed to keep ourselves
visiting all day long, thus keeping out of trouble - and exciting
adventures. The most exciting part is that three of our investigators
accepted baptism dates for the 12 of March. Two of them are siblings
of a recent converts (Victoria y Santiago) and the third is a little,
old man with many years working out in the fields (Antonio). Super
happy for them.

Thursday morning we had our little zone meeting were we learned all
about what the leaders talked about in the last concilio (counsel). We had to
then head out to the otherside of Trinidad again for another baptismal
interview. Since we didn't have too much else to do, we did spend some
time looking for some references we had recieved and getting to know
the area a bit more. And trying to loose some of that Carnaval weight.

Some of you might remember that last year I was stuck in trio with E'
Padilla and E' Camargo. I might have said this already, but if not,
both of them are with me here in Paititi once again. So, Friday we
went to do an intercambio (exchange) with them. This time I stayed in my area,
and E' Padilla came to visit. We spent most of the time laughing and
stuff. We also got a call that the other Elders in Paititi needed
interviews, so we headed out real quick before getting back to work.
We had a good time, and (hopefully) helped out a bunch of people
spiritually.

After more than a full week, we finally found more service to do
Saturday morning. We did the super exciting task of moving dirt. One
of the people helping happened to be a return missionary from the
Puerto Rico mission, so we talked a bunch about his experiences and
the differences in the missions. When we were visiting in the
afternoon, we found a family that was pretty interesting that lives on
the edge of the jungle. Apparently there is a type of vine that, when
a certain part is touched, burns the skin. The father of said family
had his leg 'burned' pretty badly, but it didn't really bother him too
much. At least to the point of sharing his views and jokes with us.
Very interesting fellow.

Yesterday in Church we learned that next Sunday there won't be Church
because of elections. As my past experiences suggest, we may have to
be locked up next Sunday again. Dang elections. Anyway, we found
another strange family in our travels, consiting of a grandmother and
some nietos (grandchildren). The grandmother was very happy that her nietos learn more
about God, and was somewhat strict about them being present,
listening, and participating in the charla. However, she herself
didn't seem too interested. Very strange the people sometimes.

While this letter bay have been kind of short, I do have some pictures to send.
Elder Yates
With Love

Another Elder using my hammock during Carnaval 

A little project I did during Carnaval (The Aircraft Carrier, not the scripture covers)
 
My results of the Carnavales (4 days of not shaving :)) 

A little gator. Well, its head and hide and least 

My top part on the hammock 

My bottom part on the hammock, working hard during carnaval