11/07/23: Miraparriba, Mojarro, Motos y Musica
|  Mon, Nov 6, 2023, 12:38 PM | | ||
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¡Buenas Dias, Tardes y Noches a todos! I'm not exactly sure what time zone all of you are in, nor when you'll read this, so I'll just say it all. That's what everyone says to everyone walking down the streets of Chiapas, Mexico depending on the time of day. It's kinda fun, whether you're in the middle of a call, begging for change on the side of the street, or zooming by on a moto, you say "buenas ____" to everyone.
First of all, I will explain the title. Miraparribas are a type of chile that grows in a little plant. They are tiny and red or green. You can probably tell where this is going, so I'll just get to it. We were at a members house and he insisted I try one from the jar that was on the table full of them. So I did, and downed it alright. Later on throughout the meal he dared me to eat another, so of course I took the bait and went for it. This time it was a bigger green one, which are apparently spicier than the red ones (which I'd started with). Finally the inevitable happened and my already dead taste buds couldn't take another. It was HOT. All the funny things happened that usually happen when you overload with spice, namely running nose, sweat (more than I already was) coughing, crying, red face, and of course, a lot of laughter. All the Mexicans I was with were cracking up over the gringo who flew too close to the sun.
Mojarro is a type of fish. A particularly delicious one at that, when prepared right. We had a member meal this week where they served us fried and salted mojarro with salsa and the Mexican essentials, lime and tortillas. The people here love flavor in everything they eat. It was delicious and we had a whole chicken breast afterwards and I was stuffed. We finished that meal off with a nice glass of Pesol, a delicious drink comprising of Cocao, sugar, corn pulp and cold water. They eat a ton here, and I hardly keep up with my companion, because he, like a true Mexican, downs food and spice like it's nothing. Everyday I go from being kinda hungry to way too full, to walking it off and starting over. It's a good time.
Motos and Música are some of my favorite parts of the Mexican streets, both are everywhere and both are loud. Ranchero music is blasted on every corner from every house, and motos rev their engines and whiz by on nearly every street. It's fun to just be surrounded by the norms of so many other people's lives that I'm new to.
I've gotten used to missionary life (relatively) now, and have come to enjoy it, even when we're canceled on. It's all worth just one good lesson with someone and being the one to bring the realization of the Spirit into their lives. It's definitely a blessing. My companion and I have done a ton of finding this week, and have found a lot of people who are interested. The toughest part is keeping lessons and meetings set with them. I'm sure all you out there who have served missions know this frustration, but it's just something you have to come at with patience and love. Many a time we set up an appointment and when the time comes hear nothing back from them. But like I said earlier, it's all worth it for just the one or two you can speak to and help out.
Anyway, I could write for days about this first full week of the mission, but I'll end it there. Thanks for reading if you made it all the way through! Look for the Spirit in your life in all you do, miracles will come when you heed to the promptings. Scripture of the week is Galatians 5:22-23. ¡Adios!
- Elder Allen
Pictures:
1. Elder Garcia and I
2. Me with Miraparribas
3. Us sad after a lesson got cancelled, so we taught the skeleton lady instead (it was dia de los Muertos here this week)
4. Arriaga (you can almost see the ocean if you zoom way in)
5. PEPE CRUZ, this guy is everywhere in Chiapas, he's running for senator or something, idek, but I had to get a picture with the wall for the memories cuz it's funny how much we see his name
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