From Madrid to Las Palmas to La Orotava

The flight from Madrid to Las Palmas was the worst ever. I was finally tired and wanted to sleep, but planes are never comfortable. Plus we sat right in front of the smoking section, so I felt sick to my stomach, so I moved to a seat closer to the front. I finally slept a little bit. While I was sleeping, they brought us our lunch and the guy sitting next to me ate my bread! It was kind of funny. It was a sick meal, anyway.

When we got to Las Palmas, I was again greeted with a sweet stench of cigarette smoke. We went to get our luggage and then went to meet President and Sister Prieto and Elders Reber and Schank (the APs) [Assistants to the President]. They were very hospitable and friendly. We went to the president's casa - very big and modern. It had carpet - they told us that's a rarity. They gave us a descanso [rest], to shower and sleep, then I had an interview with President. I was assigned to La Orotava on the island of Tenerife to be trained by Hermana Garcia from El Paso, Texas. Then I went back to my room and slept until Hermana Eastman woke me up for the meeting downstairs with APs, financial people, Etc. I was in deep sleep, my head was heavy and my hands were shaky and weird like when you just barely wake up and they asked me to play the piano. Yikes. I made a lot of mistakes, but está bien.

We had a short meeting and then ate dinner made by Hermana Prieto - YUM. We had rice and chicken (a Canarian dish) [it was likely paella], a cold seafood and potato salad, carne with eggs and plums (an Argentine dish) and pan [bread]. I was starved, but it was still really tasty.

[April 9, 1998] I slept very well that night and woke up at a very faithful hour of 6:.....45 am. My alarm went off at 6:30 and I didn't wake up enough to realize that meant it was time to get out of bed - I was wiped! We ate generic Spain cold cereal, box milk and zumo [juice] and toast for breakfast. It was different, but very good.

We went down to the mission office where I sat for several hours, amazed and unimpressed at the lack of enthusiasm of some missionaries. I want to be focused and optimistic until the very end. I did pretty well in the MTC and although that's a totally different excitement/transition than it will be coming home, I want to stay focused! Or rather, become focused and then stay that way. I don't feel excitement for the work like I need to have yet. I loved the MTC. It took a few weeks to feel that way but it happened and I want it to happen here. I pray that my energy and enthusiasm will increase and I know God wants me to be enthusiastic to knock doors and work hard. I have faith this will happen - now patience must carry me until I am truly in love with Spanish, with the Canary Islands and hard, honest work.

We went to the jetfoil at 4 pm. I had cramps and I couldn't find my ibuprofen. [I finally did find it, asked for water to take it, and they gave me “agua con gas” (carbonated) and it made me feel more sick!] Then we sat in the smoking section by accident. We had just eaten “Telepizza” [nasty Spanish version of pizza--it made me sick every time I ate it on my mission] at the mission office - different. Everyone says it's the best pizza in Spain. Whoa! No me gusta the pepperoni. So everything combined with the motion of the boat, I felt really sick. I moved forward to get rid of the smoke sickness and sat next to an atheist. It was hard to communicate with him, but I bore my testimony to him as powerfully as I could and finally the long trip of only 1 ½ hours was over. Then I got off and met Hermana Garcia, my new companion. We got my luggage and ran to catch a taxi - my first taxi ride - not too special. Then we went to catch the bus to La Orotava (we were in Santa Cruz). I felt ILL nigh unto death, but sweetly smiled as Hermana Garcia explained to me how nice all the members are. We spent the evening unpacking and I went to bed early.