Mexico Livin’ (week 10)

Hey what is up everyone! Sorry it has been awhile...but the mission is a grind! I will try and give some highlights from the past few weeks.

So we have been able to teach many people here in Magdalena, which is great. But we don't get many second visits, so hopefully that can increase! My Spanish has gotten better (because I really have no choice) but it still has a LONGGG way to go. My companion, Elder Sanchez, helped me figure out the shower after a little while so that's good. We also got hot water! After a couple of weeks with either lukewarm bucket showers or cold showers, we alas can shower with "agua caliente." At least til the gas runs out...gotta live in the moment I guess! 
Yeah my spanish is better, but the people here still talk like they're in "fast forward" mode. They love talking to me because I am a "gringo" but it's hard to respond when you don't know what they say! Haha it's frustrating at times but you just gotta laugh about it and keep trying.
We do a lot of walking. Like A LOT OF WALKING.  So I can burn off all the food the members here give me.  And it's weird cause it's really hot in the day (like 80-85) and drops to like 50-60 degrees at night...it's quite phenomenal actually. Hopefully all of this walking will make my legs super jacked.  
Everyone still calls me Elder McGregory. And yes, people still think I can fight and want to on the spot. Hopefully Conor McGregor turns into some director of a charity or orphanage or dog shelter or I don't know....just anything that doesn't have to do fighting! hahaha


Some things about the Mexican culture...
-the mexican candy (or candy with chile...called "dulce con chile") is gross. My opinion is valid because anyone who knows me knows I love candy. I am an expert. Hopefully it gets better or my tongue can get used to it!
-We call Coke here the "Mexican Water" because that's all people have and all people give. I guarantee 9 out of 10 houses we go into offer "water" and give us Coke. It's nice the first few times, but I think my body is going to struggle bigtime if this keeps up after 2 years!
- the tortillas here I'm pretty sure have some kind of drug in them because they are SO GOOD. It's mainly flour tortillas, but sometimes corn, but it's all so good! Just as much of a guarantee to have Coke every meal, you can bet on tortillas. 
-It's kind of funny being the only white guy in town. Everyone looks at me and gives me all kinds of looks. Some are mean and others are pleasant. One grandma winked at me...not quite sure what was happening there but I just try to greet everyone with a smile and sometimes they will talk to me. Of course I can only understand like 5% of what they say but I will take any practice/opportunity to preach I can get!
-my thanksgiving was non-existent because I forgot about it! I woke up on Friday and realized thanksgiving was the day before. It was weird. But it's what happens when you're immersed in a new country!
- sadly basketball is not very popular here. The most popular sport is (shocker) soccer. We have played a ton of soccer. Especially up in Nogales on our P days. And basically most Mexicans are really good. They have these pick-up games in this outdoor "soccer rinks" (basically indoor soccer but outside) and so many people come and watch and want to see the gringo (me) get destroyed. But luckily for me, I played soccer for none other than THE Ricky Ellestad. So I can hold my own, but I still get wrecked.

Funny story~ I went on splits (change companions for the day) and I was with a fellow gringo from Tennessee named Elder Veech. We were tracting and came to this house and 3 teenage girls answered the door and the let us teach them. While we were teaching, they kept laughing and giggling and we just kept going...business as usual. Then in the middle of the lesson they asked us if we have girlfriends. We had to explain that we don't have girlfriends because we dedicate 2 years of our life to serve the Lord and teach His message. That didn't stop them from trying to flirt with us. They also said how they "want gringos"....not quite sure what that means. But I knew I had an effect on women...just didn't know it would spread to Mexico! hahahahaha

Well that's all I got. These past few weeks have been hard, I'm not gonna lie. It's frustrating at times and exhausting. But I know God is with me every step of the way, as he is for all of us. Thank you for the love, support, and prayers. They are felt.

As always, shoot me an email! I will do my best to respond:) Love you all and thank you! 
Elder Gregory

Carmen C Rivera (and put Elder Gregory too)
633 W. La Pasadita
CP 85705
Tucson, Arizona


--
Elder Tyler Gregory
Mexico Hermosillo Mission


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