Week 13

Hola mi querido en los estados unidos!
I had a long busy week but bueno its all good.  I'm suffering with joy because honestly my problems don't matter right now.  There's a lot of struggles here but also a lot of happiness.  I believe that there is a lot to learn from this.  A lot of people here in Baranoa don't have a lot but they are some of the happiest people that I have met.  Why? I believe it's because they have what they need and are humbled before God.  The importance of family is really being shown to me here.  We have a MA that her house and every house on her side of the street is family.  There is like 6 houses and they are all family.  They are so close and full of love.  I'd like to share a little testimony with you about the importance of families.  Realamente families are from God and for a good reason.  When we have an environment full of love and the spirit of God, nothing can stop us.  Think of it like this, if you didn't know how to walk, would you be able to learn in a public school or any other school for that matter? NO!! because they are always tearing you down and showing you your weakness.  There is no love and no support.  Right now in the United States there is no God.  Now think of your mother ( mom I'm thinking of you) she taught you how to walk and it worked,  for most of us (dad) jajaja but why? Because we had the support and the Godly love that we needed from our mothers!  I have a strong testimony of families and the importance of them.  They are literally always there for you even when they probably shouldn't be.  Be thankful for what you have, not your things, not your money.  Be thankful for the things that really matter.  Family, friends, church, or whatever it may be.  I love you guys!!  My Spanish is coming along well and I gave a talk in sacrament meeting on Sunday.  I know all that I wanted to say so it went good. I love you!

We went to Barranquilla and played Soccer.  We also grilled chicken and had coke.  

See the huge iguana

Week 12

Thank you for the email.  It has been a rough week but Elder Cagua really helped me.  Tonight we get transfer calls.  We baptized Sandra ( she is the one from the family).  I forgot to bring my camera so no pictures this week.  I was super nauseous after the baptism on the bus ride back to Baranoa.  I had stomach pain and my kidneys were hurting.  I got a blessing and feel a lot better.  Not a lot happened this week.   I have a lot of stories to tell you but it is too much to type.  I will tell you in 21 months:) I am doing good, getting more confident everyday and loving it here.   I am starting to get used to it here and my Spanish is getting better.  I might be going to Cartegena but I don't know.  I could be staying here too.  Love you!! I love the Salachipapa.  It has sauce on it and these crunchy things and is so good! I bought a little sombrero for a key chain and had the guy burn my name into the wood on it. I'll send a pic next week. it was only 2000 pesos but its way cool.

Elder Kennedy

Week 11 Again

Mother..blah this is the best email you have sent.  I'm losing my hair..like my hair line is receding and it's falling out in the shower.  I think its stress but who knows.  I sleep OK, I always wake up tired.  I forgot to tell you about that family.  One night a couple weeks ago they said they all wanted to get baptized as a family.  It was a miracle.  I am so happy for them!!  This week was crazy! I stepped in a mud hole and it went up to my knees, then a member poured water on it.  The next day a bug flew

my ear and never came out.  Today there was another emergency transfer, so I am in a trio again with Elder Cagua from Ecuador for a week until cambios.  I have pictures so no worries.  It was a busy week and super fast.  We didn't have time for anything..  We had an interchange and was left alone in my area with another Elder and I did really good.  I know the area and the language better than I give myself credit for.  I'm good , gaining more confidence and figuring everything out.  I hope we can chat.  I love you guys.  Also, I recorded this week but I forgot it.  Love you guys. Elder Kennedy

I like to keep a clean apartment!!

There's a huge palm tree outside of our apartment

after the mud hole

Me and Elder Santiago

after the mud hole

Week 11

I had a bit of a rough week this week.  We went to a place called Polonuevo in our area.  I have never felt so uncomfortable in my life.  Come to find out I'm the first  "gringo" to be there. They've never seen a white boy!! Everyone stares and one lasy said hey look a gringo.  All of the mujeres look and stare. I felt awkward but protected.  The weird thing is that in Polonuevo I teach my best lessons.  The Spanish just comes a little easier.  It is Venezuelen.  They slur everything and it's really hard to understand but I did.  Everyone blares their music here so getting a lesson that is completely quite is close to never.  Almost every house has huge speakers systems.  With one Venezulen hermana I felt the spirit and taught about faith.  It was cool.  I learned how to study my scriptures better this week and I'm learning a lot faster. I got pretty down and desanimado about my Spanish this week but I'm still pushing.  This is rough but I love it here. I found out how much weight I have lost but I'm not telling you because you'll freak. I eat rice everyday.  I love rice with coconut, it's amazing.  Also patagon y muhara.  The juices here rock.  My favorites are lulo y maracuya.  Love you guys
Elder Kennedy
From Elder Kennedy's mom- He did let us know how how much weight he has lost- 40 pounds and yes I was freaking out!!

Thank you for the emails, I really needed them and they helped.  General Confrence was amazing. We went to Barranquilla to watch it in English.  My favorite speaker was Elder Cornish on Saturday. We did service on a finca this week and it was way hot!  My Spanish is getting a little better. I taught a lesson this week and was super fluent.  We teach a lot of people every week , it's amazing.  We have 15 baptismal dates and 6 for October 22.  I tried muhara (fish)  and it is so good.We are teaching a family of 5, 4 of them with baptismal dates.  They are always happy and laughing.  Please pray for them, that we will be able to teach them what they need and for my Spanish.  I was finally able to download some pictures.