The Singing Sister Missionary: Life in Central America : Turkey, Pumpkin Pie, Mother's Day, Introducing Cooking Hot Dogs on a Stick and Selling a Pair of Pants Week of 12-9-14

Hey guys! Its Christmastime! It sure is an altogether different experience, celebrating it here in Panama. Its different, but its a good different. :) Yesterday we had a delightful lunch with Hna. Isabel, in our ward. She had planned to make us a Thanksgiving dinner, but the water went out in Las Tablas that day. It's something that happens a lot, jaja. We have giant water bottles full in case there is no other way for us to brush our teeth. That´s the most important thing. ;) So, we weren´t able to have it that day. We had it for Mother´s Day instead! Mother´s Day is December 8 here in Panama! So happy late Mother´s Day you wonderful women out there! Most especially my mom. She´s the best. :)

We had PUMPKIN PIE. I was so happy I almost cried. You don´t realize that you were missing something until its right in front of you. I actually got to make the pie crust, because the recipe was in English. ;) Hna. Isabel speaks English too. She lived in Florida for quite some time. I had to adjust the recipe quite a bit...the elevation, humidity, and air is slightly different here, jaja. Remember how the weather hardly changes? Its either hot, really hot, raining, or not raining. I am pretty used to it by now. The beauty part of it is my wardrobe doesn´t have to change. I didn´t have to drag heavy boots here with me, like I am sure you guys are wearing now, back at home.

Oh! So anyway, the crust. I was left in charge with a Kitchen Aid. Dad, I was singing Christmas songs, and using a Kitchen Aid. Needless to say, I was perfectly content. We had turkey, stuffing, carrots...yeah...while other may have found the food strange, I was in heaven.

So...changes are this week...and I am staying in Las Tablas! What are the odds? I had a feeling I was staying, and that is okay with me! My trainer is leaving me though. :( I have loved working with her...its definitely going to be different! I am officially done with my training period. Have to take charge, and not be afraid to speak up! So, in honor of my wonderful companion, I am going to make a list of things that are some of my favorites we accomplished/experienced/laughed about together.

1. The attendance in Sacrament Meeting. Along with the members and the other missionaries, we have doubled the number in just a few months. Our average is now 50!

2. The music. We have done so much work with the music. We now have an established choir and piano class. I am a little nervous about continuing them without her, but I know that I can! They have really enjoyed it, and yesterday in church, Pres. Madero said how grateful he was for the two of us, and how we have helped ¨wake up¨ the branch with music. I know its such a tremendous blessing for me in my life...I hope they continue to grow in their love of music.

3. Running EVERYWHERE. For some reason, we tend to run late...a lot. I don´t know what it is, we talk a lot, or something. But we are always running to catch a bus, make an appointment, eat food. My legs are in pretty good shape because of our time together.

4. Our Christmas decorations. We have a string of lights, two deflated balloons(one red and one green), and a tree shaped ornament. Oh, and the lights broke...one of the prongs is stuck in the wall. Its a wonderful sight. We definitely are living the missionary life.

5. Work together to teach others the importance of Jesus Christ and His gospel. I really feel like we have done some really good work together. I felt the Spirit so strong in our lessons, with the members, while we were planning. We figured out how the Spirit speaks with us, and were able to teach effectively. She was the perfect trainer...I learned exactly what I needed to at the beginning of my mission, through her help. She is so humble...definitely an example for me in my life. I am so grateful for the time I have had here with her.

There is always so much I want to say, but never enough time to say it all. OH! One more thing! Dimas, our recent convert is AMAZING! We had an activity last Monday, cooking things over a fire, (they had NEVER heard of cooking hot dogs on a stick, or anything on a stick. It was sooo fun! :D) and he wanted to go. He lives pretty far away, and the transportation is expensive for student without a job. We didn´t expect to see him, but he came! We asked him how he got there, and smiling, he excitedly told us that he sold a pair of pants to pay for the bus.

I try every day to be more like this, to be willing to do anything to be closer to the Savior, to learn more about how to become like Him. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be here and to learn more about every facet of my life, now and in the future.

Also, if you haven´t watched the Christmas Devotional, you should. Its beautiful, and the music-well...you know my opinion on that!

I love you all! Have an amazing week! I know that I will!!

Con amor, Hermana Scott

Pumpkin Pie! Oh My!