There was QUITE the big change this past week. I had an emergency transfer this past Wednesday/Thursday after a worldwide missionary conference. Don't worry, the only "emergency" was that it would make the travel plans a lot easier for everyone if I just went directly to the area after the conference instead of sending the elders from Vallegrande back to their house and then back to Santa Cruz again, etc. Mission President Willard pulled me aside after an amazing and missionary work changing worldwide conference (which they haven't had in over 10 years) to talk to me. He said: "Would you be okay with going somewhere far away where there aren't a lot of missionaries?" I kinda choked on my words at the possibilities of this question and said that I had felt prepared to do so after learning better how to keep myself happy despite challenges. He said "Okay, well be ready because you could be leaving tomorrow." He verified some stuff and pulled me aside again to say we would go ahead and do that (go to Vallegrande, 6 hrs away on the only road there, where there would be just me and my companion in a branch.... no district.... no zone.... nothing) and I could say goodbye to my area that night and pack my bags; the secretaries would advise me on the details for the next morning.
I scrambled to say goodbyes and barely got to half the people I would have liked to see, still managed to teach a lesson with a member and get a reference for Vallegrande. Was up until 12:30 am (way late for missionaries) packing. Left the next morning, met my new companion, Elder Castillo (Latino from Peru, one transfer more than me, 22 yrs old, obedient, kind, and more) and we were off in a van of sorts called a Trufi with my bags on the roof about bursting at the seams with my stuff.
Vallegrande has a WONDERFUL climate..... reminds me of old town auburn, Nevada city, lake Tahoe (without the lake), and California all at the same time.
I'm out of time and there's a lot more to update you all on for next week but my request would be for you to pray for my comfort and for me to not feel alone please.... and send many more letters and packages..... Love you all.
Love,
Elder Van Horne
Skyler, your Florida family thinks about you all the time and wish the best. Be safe and remember, you are never alone. All the people who love you are always near by.
ReplyDeleteDonnie
Skyler, your Florida family thinks about you all the time and wish the best. Be safe and remember, you are never alone. All the people who love you are always near by.
ReplyDeleteDonnie