Let me just start by saying that the CCM is FAR superior to the
Missionary training center in Provo. Short food lines, immediate
language immersion, and real investigators. The CCM is wonderful! We
are also fed alot of food. Too much at times.

The first day here was very long. We had a midnight flight from LAX
to Guatemala and then we hit the ground running. No rest for the
overwhelmed. Everyone kept assuring us everything would be better
after the first week. But...I haven't really had much of a problem
with it. Yes, its hard. Yes, we don't have enough time to study
everything we´re supposed to study. But I love learning so much!
Also, there is a wonderful spirit here that we get to feel every day!
I love the CCM!

As I mentioned earlier, at the CCM, we get to learn from native
spanish speakers. They call us the ´Nortes´and them the natives. My
rommate and I try to sit by native speakers at least one meal a day.
They are the most humble and generous and sweet people! I think we
could all learn a lot from them. I already have. For example,
because I can´t speak up in meetings to answer questions both asked
and answered in spanish, I'm forced to listen to the latinos offer
their spiritual insight. Although I can´t understand, it's uplifting
and inspiring to hear the testimonies they have of the gospel of Jesus
Christ. Another thing I've learned from them is when they sing.
Their pitch is terrible. No one's hitting the same key. But that
doesn't matter. They ALL sing. And they sing loud! It's likely one of
the most beautiful sounds I've ever heard.

I'm learning a lot spiritually as well. We had a devotional yesterday
(a spiritual talk, essentially) yesterday by one of the area 70, Elder
Duncan. It was amazing! Afterwards, our class (we´re known as a
district) got together and talked about what impressed us the most.
It was so wonderful to feel their testimonies through the things they
learned and to share those insights to grow together. I love my
district. We're all uniquely different in our expressions of our faith
in Christ in the gospel, but that´s what makes it so beautiful to see
their strength and commitment to their beliefs. While on that
topic, I love my companion! She and I are with each other pretty much
24/7. She has such a wonderful faith in the gospel and can be rather
reserved at times. I think this is good.

We had an earthquake this last week. It happened during our sports
time (deportes) we all thought it was thunder. Later that night
someone came into our room to tell us that we would have an earthquake
drill due to the quake that happened earlier that day. What?! We
didn't feel anything but they were concerned about aftershocks. Still
haven't felt anything.

Other fun fact- My name tag is spelled wrong. They said they would fix
it from Hermana Shultz to it's proper spelling. My teacher came in
yesterday with some name tags...but they were also wrong. Apparently
they were trying to give me some additional responsibilities. It read
(Elder Schultz), So close. But I'm am not worried. I'll have it
before I head out into the mission field.

I almost forgot to mention why I titled this message the way I did.
Due to the new age change, My companion and I are some of the oldest
girls here. Most of the young woman are 19 or 20. She was trying to
tell some latinos that we were older and she said´"Estoy abuelos."
This means "we´re grandparents´. We all found it to be hilarious.
There's a lot of mistakes that go into learning a language.

Also, an ammendment on packages: Do NOT put stickers of Jesus Christ
or the Virgin Mary or anything on packages. Just label it with my name
" Hermana Erika Schultz" Thanks!

One last thing. We get to teach a real person about the gospel here.
in Provo, they have roleplays. But that{s not so here. It was so nerve
wracking but things are going well! He{s asked some really great
questions lately. Like why do we have to pray? and {I don{t think god
has time for me." I assure you that the Lord does have time for you.
No matter where or who you are. I promise, he WANTS to have you speak
to him.

That{s all I have time for right now. Just be assured that I am well
and loving every moment. Still have lots of work to do in learning
the language, but I'm optimistic. Sorry for the hectic letter, we only
get 30 minutes on the computer. I love you all!


Love, Hermana Schultz