May 14th Letter #27

So we didn't end up going to El Tajin just yet due to a lack of money, but it's in the plans. I didn't even know there were prizes for clean houses. (The cleanest apartments receive a prize in their mission.) I think I forgot to say Happy Mother's day! I appreciate the sacrifice and patience it's taken to get me here

Love you,

Elder Finlinson

Some of the conversation during our Mother's Day Skype:

Xanath has a reputation with the missionaries...very few want to serve in that area because it is so hilly. Connor really enjoys the area but he did say that by the end of the day the hills can be wearying. His former companion was a professional soccer player and they walked at a good pace on those hills but his new companion and those who come on splits have a harder time with that pace so Connor says they have to take it slower or take little breaks. 

There are lots of lizards. When asked what kinds he said, "It's like a Dr. Suess book, big ones, small ones, thin one, tall ones etc... Too many to count. But they love the lizards because they eat the bugs. He said he always has bug bites on his legs. The repellent only repels so much. 

There are also lots of chickens, roosters and birds everywhere. He doesn't even notice their sounds anymore. We were amazed how at all the bird sounds when he was talking with us. 

He said it is very hot. It doesn't matter if you are in the sun or shade the temperature is the same because of the humidity. He takes a quick cold shower in the morning and a long cold shower at night...sometimes with a fan blowing on him through the parted curtain. When asked about rain he said it hasn't rained very much at all, only about 15 days since he arrived. (6 months)

He usually is served chicken, beans and rice each day but one day he was served pork and he said it was the best thing he ever ate because it was different. :) 

His goal is to speak with the correct accent when he speaks Spanish. He is fluent but wants to keep improving.

On p-days they normally go to the church and play street soccer, after washing clothes etc..