last week journal just received (Sept 15, 2008)

Monday, Sept 15th..
Today, the office meeting went well. I did my best to read the notes that were in Spanish of last week’s meeting and take notes of the things that took place today. Frustrating, at times. After the meeting I tried to get a few things done, but I found myself not sure of some things. I need to know about a gillion different passwords to get into the programs. I get so frustrated trying to remember which one goes to which program. We are not allowed to use the same one for security reasons and they are set by Salt Lake, not me. Both dad and I find ourselves calling back to our trainers, Elder Turley and Elder Blotter, several times during the day.
Today, finally was the day to go and pick up our famous government Carnet card! The Davis’
went with us. They needed to pick theirs up also. We walk everywhere...
it was a good mile! We will be able to order internet now. Yeah for that. I needed to ask some questions about picking up cards for the other missionaries. I was able, I think to make myself understood, but I couldn’t understand them... Crazy, I can speak a lot but I just can’t seem to understand. It is driving me crazy. I don’t think Ron understood them either. It is most frustrating! Then to top it off, this nice little lady was tiring to help us, not really understanding, we tried to do what she said, but in doing so, I guess without knowing it, we cut in front of someone else and she was really mad. We kept saying we were sorry, but she wouldn’t accept it and just went on and on telling us off. We both felt bad we offended her. We thought she gave us permission to go ahead of her, but she said, she thought we only had a short question, not a long one.. Totally a misunderstanding. The Chilean’s also have a courteous thing for seniors and usually let them go first, but I guess even that one didn’t work this time around. We haven’t tried using it, nor has it been offered, but we hear and see signs (Tercera Edad - senior citizens) all the time.
We tried to go to the pharmacy again on the way back, but they didn’t order the medicine I need. I think I am going to have the kids send it to me. We were going to stop at home for a bit to eat for lunch, but then we got a phone call and was needed back at the office. We got there, and the person waiting for dad left. Dad called him, and he said he would come later. We hurried home grabbed a sandwich and back to the office without rest. We didn’t have time, because I needed to get home before five to cook up a main dish for family home evening, and I had tons to get done for tomorrow. I made up a chicken dish. Tonight was Sister Daley’s farewell dinner. She leaves tomorrow for home. Nice, nice person. I wish I could have gotten to know her better. She is from Eastern Texas (Tyler). I had several people ask me for the recipe. I told them, I would if I could remember how I made it. I didn’t have all the correct ingredients, that I usually use, and had to substitute items. But, to my surprise it was delicious! I really think the secret was the new Mexican cheese that Christine told us about. I was really surprised to find it in the market here. The people here do not eat Mexican food. Mostly pasta’s, fruits, corn and vegetables. I tried to make it like the “Viva la Chicken” dish I used to make for the kids years ago. Oh then, I asked dad to make up a salsa for me while I rested ten minutes and after the dish was baked, I spread that on top. We arrived home about 8, and was in bed by 8:30. Then at 10:30 I woke up and couldn’t get back to sleep, so I am writing this! My stomach is still sore... I just can’t find the answer why it is hurting so much. Probably nerves! I did stop by the doctors office today, (the new couple that just arrived, the Dixon’s) and ask him if he had a suggestion. He gave me some pills and told me to try drinking Coke lite. Elder Dixon is 80 years old! But he is healthy and acts young! They have the elders drink coke lite to help them with the stomach aches. It must be the water. Who knows. The saying around here is.... “You are now in Chile”! Estamos en Chile
Christine called tonight, and wanted to know if we were going to come and see her on Thursday for the holiday celebration, but we have decided not to try and go. We are just too overwhelmed here and Dad doesn’t want to try and learn one more places to get to. You can’t believe all the different places we have had to try and find to deliver “Pouches” , the mail to the missionaries. At least he does have a care for pouch deliveries. They are every Wednesday. Dad walks on the average of about 10 miles or more a week to pay bills and go to the bank. Plus whatever activities we do in the evening with the senior couples. He has lost so much weight. I think he is about 230 or less pounds now, and his blood sugar level is down also. His new white shirts just hang on him. He hurts all the time, but he is a trooper! He says he gets enough relief if he can sit down for a minute to get the feeling back in his legs. So we look for benches. Well good night diary, I need to get up at 6 am to be to work at 7, for the elders to do their visa run.!