Lately Kristina and I have been doing very well at keeping up with our goal to work out every day! Because Saturday's weather was way up in the "30's", we decided to go for a relaxing and refreshing run around the village, or that is what we hoped it would be at least. After a short three minutes of running an unexpected problem arose, we were approaching a small "pack" of dogs. We had hoped that we could continue running without being noticed by the dogs, but of course they began barking and chased after us. We nervously stopped running and instead walked at a normal pace while avoiding any eye contact. We were just hoping and praying they wouldn't eat us! We finally got far enough ahead, but just as we started running again saw more dogs! It seems that the biggest of our problems should have been us getting lost, or realizing how out of shape we were not getting chased by dogs. I don't think I've ever been so terrified in all of my life!
Once we passed the “packs” we continued running and hit the main road of the village. The dog issue was solved but it was a little awkward wearing the two most brightly colored jackets and running past people as they stared us down. At this point Kristina had already splashed in two mud puddles one car had honked at us and another dog jumped up onto the fence and nearly gave us a heart attack, and we were suffocating from all the pollution! When we finally made it back to our house we lay on our beds and began recovering from our traumatic experience. So much for our "relaxing and refreshing" run.
I think I understand why missionaries love receiving letters and packages so much; it feels like Christmas! It was wonderful to know someone was thinking of me and took the time to make an attempt at sending me something that wasn't even guaranteed to reach me. I am blessed with such great friends and family!
One night this week, I tasted pomelo. It is apparently similar to a grapefruit, but not quite as sour. Tanya peeled on for Kristina and I and we couldn't believe how huge it was! The piece I am holding is only one segment; it's like a giant slice of an orange!
On Sunday night, I was in the bathroom getting ready for bed when Kristina knocked on the door. She whispered, “Kate one of the chinchillas is out! I didn't do it!” I quickly came out and sure enough one chinchilla was sitting outside the cage. We tried to grab it, but it hopped down and began jumping up the stairs. We followed it and were trying to be quiet but it continued to jump up each stair until finally Tanya came out and helped us corner it. Kristina grabbed it by the tail and we secured in the cage. What an adventure!
Knowing that is my divine goal gives me such direction in my life. The way is simple but narrow. We must remain on that path and continue forward with faith in Jesus Christ. On Sunday some couple missionaries serving in our branch spoke during sacrament meeting. One spoke of choosing the good, better, and best things to be doing in our lives. The spirit reminded me that ultimately our goal is to strive to become like our Savior. One question we can ask ourselves when we are struggling with any decision or situation is, am I being a lover of pleasure more than a lover of God? As we truthfully and honestly answer this question, we will understand what it takes to remain on the path that will take us back to our Heavenly Father.
I hope you all know how much I love and appreciate your support. I miss everyone so much, but I am grateful for every opportunity I have had so far while being away. This experience is helping to shape me into a better person. Please keep in touch and have a wonderful week!