Christmas

We got a phone call this afternoon from Garrett. He sounded so good, and it was great to talk to him. Let me see if I can remember some of the things he talked about.

He said that Christmas in Argentina isn't commercialized for Christmas at all. It isn't a big holiday like it is here in the United States. They had dinner with a family on Christmas Eve which is unusual because the members have dinner so late that they can't go to dinner. He had pig intestine and said he liked it. They usually have lunch with the members instead, but last night was a special occasion. Then after dinner they went home got up on the roof of their apartment and watched the fireworks.

His companion is from Columbia and is 24 years old. He speaks very little English, and Garrett has said that he really struggles to understand.

He was calling from the Bishop's office when he talked to us, and he said the Bishops office is the only part of the building that has carpeting because of mold problems.

He said that he has to wear sandals in the shower because the tape worms will get into your skin through the bottoms of your feet. YUCK!

Loves his mission president, and his wife. They take really good of the elders and know of all the elders health issues. They are taking care of Garrett's high blood pressure. Mom is relieved!

There isn't really anything that they are restricted to eat except a kind of herbal tea. Not because it is bad for you, but the people drink it for hours on end, and so since the missionaries can't stay in someones house for longer than an hour they cannot have the tea. He said the people like to talk a lot and are very friendly.

I'm not sure exactly what all these pictures are except his mission president, but he looks like he is enjoying his mission. He loves the gospel, and even though he struggles with the language, he looks forward to learning it well. He says hello to everyone, and please write!