Ties, Ties and MORE Ties!

This past week, a few of the Elders went in together and bought 22 kilos of TIES.  Yes, Ties.  All of you who know Pierce well, know he has quite the obsession with them.  I'm pretty sure he initiated this grand idea.  :)  He said there were probably 1000 of them total.   Most of them were pretty ugly, but he said he found a few "sweet" ones.  (Including his favorite, a Donald Trump.)

The weather there, isn't as similar to San Diego as he imagined.  He said it is just warm and windy.(They are getting into their Summer season)  Overall, he likes it.  It's not nearly as hot as our Arizona Summers!  They walk pretty much everywhere, so lots and lots of sweating.

The more he gets to know the people there in Chile, the more he loves them.  He says, most of all, he loves the simplicity of the people there in Chile.  His favorite house there so far, is about 30' by 15 feet total.  It has a bed, a couch, a TV and a bathroom and kitchen behind the house.  (I'm not quite sure what is behind the house..., the bathroom, the kitchen..., or both??)  Anyway, he is all about keeping things simple.  (Except when it comes to ties??)  Don't fight over him now ladies....!  :)

The Elders have been keeping busy teaching mostly the less-actives.  There is a different approach now with the new Mission President.  He really wants them to focus on the reactivation for now.  It sounds like they have their hands full at this point.  However, they are still teaching a few investigators, including sweet "M". (a.k.a "Dragon-born", as the Elders so kindly refer to him.)

This week one of his friends, Elder P, is going home. To honor the occasion, they had a "burning of the suit" sort of party.  Pretty much..., he burned an old worn out suit of his that would not be fit to wear here in the States.  (Apparently "no burn days" don't exist there.  Also, no chaperons..., since I'm pretty sure this would be frowned upon???  Just sayin...)

I'm afraid that's about all I've got this week!  I will continue to try to pry more out of him.  Unfortunately, I'm afraid that these next 2 years, I will be learning a lot more about patience than he.  

 This is the most popular club there in Arica.  Not sure if they hang out outside and try to convert people???  Notice the Astronauts? lol  No, the Elders do NOT go inside.

 Elder McMullan under 22 kilos of ties.

 The Elders piles after they staked their claim.

 Elder S's favorite tie.

 This is Elder McMullan with "M"!!!  I LOVE this picture!!!

 This is their chapel.  Yep, that's it.  They set up chairs. I think it doubles as a cultural hall??

 He says this is his study corner.  Looks like his bed to me.

 More graffiti.

 They have played soccer here on P-day.

 Elder P setting fire to his suit.

Elder P again, with his torch and burning suit.  :)  Boys will be boys.........