3 months have come and gone, and sometimes you look like a lobster.

Three months have come and gone! It's surreal to think back on all that has happened these past few months. The amount of growth and change we've seen is astounding, and the blessings we're all feeling from Elder Scott's service have certainly been felt. 

Some of the highlights from Elder Scott's past week include; A district beach day for the missionaries preparation day (p-day) that unfortunately resulted in some pretty severe sunburns for a lot of the gringo's who aren't quite as use to the intense sunrays South America offers. No worries though, the missionaries thought the day was fantastic despite their lobsterisque appearance afterwards. Elder Scott's pensionista, Elsa, gave him a bottle of Milk of Magnesia to apply over the burns which helped a little and eventually the fire engine red turned into a wacky shade of orange before finally peeling off to reveal a much more natural color of milky white. Even as a Florida boy, Elder Scott has never been able to hold much of a tan. 

It's nice to see the smiles continue even
through painful experiences.

Elder Parra bought chips and peach juice to celebrate Elder Scott's 3 month anniversary on December 13th. Then, on the 15th, Elder Parra got to celebrate his 1 year anniversary with more treats and goodies and the boys kept with the tradition of burning Elder Parra's most worn out, tattered shirt as they reminisced memories from the past year. It was a nice evening for both of them.

As a bonus to the week, on Elder Scott's anniversary actual raindrops were felt falling from the sky. That was the first time in over 3 months that Kyler felt rain on his skin and  he loved it.

Happy 3 month anniversary, Elder Scott

Happy one year anniversary, Elder Parra/

Along with the up's of the week, there were also a few downs. One of which happened during lunch one day when they heard car wheels squeal followed by a large thumping sound and unfortunately discovered it was the sound of a man getting hit by a car. It was pretty traumatic, and the response was vastly different than what would happen in America. People from all over gathered around the man for quite a long time debating what they should do as he lay there withering in pain. Eventually they helped him to his feet and loaded him into the car that had just hit him, and that driver took him to the hospital. No police or paramedics were ever called which is different from what we are used to, and we're all praying that he's doing okay.

After the stress of watching a man being hit by a car, some much needed comic relief was found as they watched a taxi driver attempt to secure the largest Rotoplas they have seen onto the roof of this miniature taxi. Good luck boys.

A couple other highlights Elder Scott shared was that he was asked to lead their weekly zone training which is something he really enjoyed. He was a bit nervous going into the training, but felt it went pretty good as he taught about obedience.

Elder Scott is continuing to love his mini Christmas devotionals and his nativity advent is coming together to reveal a wonderful keepsake. A couple of his favorite pieces this week were a camel and  a wiseman. He has loved the opportunity to read scriptures, sing Christmas carols, and focus his thoughts on the Savior as they open up and reveal the new pieces. 

Sunday is a day we are all looking forward to. It is one of the two times per year that Elder Scott is able to call home. We plan to Skype in the afternoon for about 30 or 40 minutes, and we can't wait to see his handsome face. It will be the greatest Christmas present ever. 

We all hope you have a wonderful Christmas day filled with joy, peace, and a Spirit that testifies to you that Jesus Christ is your Savior. He is the source of pure happiness and joy. It is through him and because of him that we are blessed with all we have. 
Merry Christmas, and may 2017 be a year filled with many blessings in each of your lives!