Gnomes?

Elder McMullan's 2nd week in a new area!  (3rd area in all)  He went from a tiny little town to a big city.  He said it feels strange being in a big city again.  He seemed a little stressed today.  He said that their numbers were  bad this week.  They were able to meet and teach some inactive families, but spent so much time looking for new investigators, that they ended up not accomplishing much.  (As far as numbers go)   It has to
be hard at times for these missionaries, feeling like their hard work isn't being accounted for?

Here are a few excerpts from today's email:  

"It’s nice here. I don’t really have any pictures still. Really need to get on that. But no I haven’t cooked anything lately really.  The Relief Society president asked me to make cookies for an activity. Don’t know when, but that should be cool.  Yes we have a mamita here."

"I’m still doing the challenge Elder Spannaus gave us in May.  He challenged us to read the book of Mormon before September 1^st ,  marking all the things that talk about Jesus Christ, the Atonement and the doctrine of the church.  He promised us with a greater testimony of the BOM and of Jesus Christ.  I’m almost done with Alma."

"The bishop here is really awesome and the leaders too."

"The people here believe in Gnomes, like garden gnomes.  Except, that they’re evil and hurt people!  People have legitimate fears of them and say they get attacked.  They practically cry if you say the word. Just one of those Chilean things."