Primera Semana en Mexico! (1st week in Guadalajara & actual WEEK 6 of mission!!!)

So we arrived at around 12:00 at night on lunes from the airport and already it was such a different world. We met our president outside the gate and I knew immediately I was going to have a great mission president. Throughout the next day we hung out with the mission president and his wife until we were to meet our new companions in the afternoon. My fears were growing as throughout the day they said don't worry if you want to go home, mostly every person is begging to go home after a couple days, they're super sick, and just want to give up. But that this is normal and they promised that you would make it through.

So my nerves were continually building and I wasn't sure if I would get a good companion to work with. My new companion is Elder Pacheco. He's lived in Mexico his whole life and he has 15 months in the mission. I cannot express how lucky and blessed I am to have him as a companion. Its always great work with him.

Now for what the president and his wife were saying about it being horrible... I honestly have no idea what they were talking about. I am absoluetly loving this! My area is called Arquitectura, its a little section of guadalajara about an hour or so from the temple. The area we are in has a tremendous amount of hills and already my calves are really toned and will continue to grow in size and strength. We probably walk atleast 20 miles or more a day with most of it beinghills. I never really comprehended how the poverty would be here in mexico, and I'm even in a nicer part.. But all is well and it hasn't effected my work in the slightest. To be honest I'm actually enjoying livinglike this and being in these peoples homes. Everyone is nice to us, even those who dont want to hear our message, and those we teach are willing to share everything they have to help. Life is much more simple. Its great. 

My favorite part of the day is always teaching and talking with investigators and inactive members. Even though their spanish is incredibly faster then that at the MTC and sometimes I understand 25/100 of what is said, it doesnt stop me from building great relationships with these people. This last sunday we had several families come to church who havent been in several months and we've commited someone to baptism. However the baptism dates are further away then other missions because as a requirement they have to attend much more church sessions. (helps them stay converted) 

The surrounding area of the outskirts of guadaljara are absolutely breathtaking, large expanses of cliffls and jungle as far as the eye can see. I'll see if I can get some pictures this next week. But don't expect tons of pictures ecause our mission president asked us to refrain for safety reasons.

Now time for the food... Oh. my. stars.... I absolutely love the food down here! we eat at a members house every day and always its something delicious! Brennan was not kidding! The only problem with the food is that my stomach isn't accustomed to the different foods, so I'm dealing with that right now, I'msure it wont be long until I'm fine! I'm always excited for more!

There is so much more but I'm not even sure what to write! Just know that I feel so blessed to be here and serve, and the people of Mexico are taking good care of us. 

until next week!

Elder Thompson IV

P.S. The buses here are muy loco! I need much more practice with my balance as well, I fall a lot.. jaja

P.S.S. I accidentally forgot mi mochilla with my papers in it, so I will write an address next week! Love you all!