EFY 2012 - Give It All To Him

Week 6&7...9/22/2014...From the CCM to San Pablo

Hey guys sorry I didn´t get to email you all last week! So this is what my last couple of weeks look like...

Twenty Six new missionaries for the REU Mission

Elder

So I believe it was Tuesday that we got up at 5am and then got ready to go to the missions. We ate breakfast and said our last goodbyes to everyone. Then we loaded into the vans and headed on our way. Man the Guatemala countryside is amazing! I forgot to bring my camera so I´ll send photos next week! Anyway, we drove past a few volcanoes and then got to the mission center where we met our president. President Ruiz and Hermana Ruiz is awesome! They gave us a bunch of devotionals and fed us, Burger  King! How's that for our first meal!?

Then we had dinner at the mission home which is super nice. And then we spent the night in hotels that were more or less super sketchy.  Elder Mattson and I were worried that our fan was going to fall off during the night, but it was way too hot to turn it on. Then the next day was changes, but there were like 40 missionaries who were super late because a bunch of people started a protest and blocked the two main roads. So I didn't meet my companion till later that day.

Elder Jensen, His parents were in Jeff and EmRee's 1st BYU Married Student Ward

My companion is super cool his name is Elder Lagos and he speaks hardly any English. He's from Costa Rica and a huge futbalista. He´s only been on his mission for 7 months but he seems like a really good missionary. We went to drive up to our area but got caught up in the traffic of the roadblocks. We drove on the wrong side of the road past probably 10 miles of parked cars. (Don't worry it's pretty normal here...the driving on the wrong side of the road.) The traffic here is crazy but everyone is a super defensive driver because everyone drives crazy! Anyway, we drove until both sides were backed up and waited for an hour and a half until the police cleared it all up. We got to Malacatan a little late so we stayed the night with Elders Fickes from the MTC and Vences. Then since we had baptisms lined up the next Saturday I went on splits with the ZL Elder Black and the other one went to got to San Pablo to do the interviews. 

The next day all we did was go around and look for houses because we had a pair of sister missionaries coming with no house.

Mi Companero Elder Lagos

Once we found one we moved all of their stuff in and then cleaned it up. The houses here are super sketchy on the outside but actually pretty nice once you get inside. Most don´t have sinks. They have what they call pilas which is their version of a sink. They're usually made of cement with 2 washboards on each side and a big bin for water in the middle. They're actually super nice! The next day I finally got to my area in San Pablo.

We are sharing the house with two other missionaries.  Both Elders Gonzales and Gavarette are Latino so English has rapidly been replaced with all Spanish.

There is a decent amount of members here but a lot are less active. Everywhere we go people always say "Hi" to the elders. The little kids love us. They don't care who you are but as long as you're an Elder they´ll run up and give you a big hug. They're way harder to understand because they talk super fast and it's so tough. Everyone here is way nice and everyone you see on the street you greet with a "Buenos tardes, or noches or dias" or some other greeting. We played soccer with a bunch of investigators. And my companions seemed pretty pleased with my ability to play even though I´m not that good.

Everyone here has a super hard time saying my name it's pretty funny. I now go by Elder Puck Mire or Elder Pack Man or Elder Pug-Mirror-Ay. But other than that life is good every day I understand more and more. Today was P-day and we all headed to Malacatan with all of our zones to play basketball it was super fun!

The very first day in the area I was a little shell shocked. All Spanish, new town, new food. Holy cow it's crazy. But we went to the church and there were tons of little kids who just ran up gave me hugs. They love the new local white guy. They're even harder to understand though. Eventually, I realized they wanted me to play tag. I thought, "you know I can do that, no Spanish required." So I played tag with these primary kids. It was just what I needed, a little tender mercy and blessing from Heavenly Father.

The transportation here is mostly buses, vans, and tuk-tuks, which are just 3 wheeled little buggies which are sweet! The members feed us usually every lunch and most dinners which are super nice. It´s rained every day here and we just kind of walk everywhere in it. No umbrellas or raincoats. The lightning here is amazing. We´re having a storm right now and the power went out and deleted a bunch of my emails. But it's soooo loud I love it but my companion is always worried he´s gonna get stuck. I told him if that happens he´s one in a million. I´m loving it here and things are looking brighter every day.

Love,

Elder Pugmire

I never received any packages or any letters except for one from Julia via dear Elder .com so just thought id tell you. Hope all is well and everyone is doing great! Love you!

Editors note:  He did get emails just not snail mail.  All letters are appreciated!
 You can send mail to:

Elder Scott Pugmire
Guatemala Retalhuleu mission
POB 30150
Salt Lake City Ut 84130-0150
(These letters need to be regular envelope size with one stamp)

Packages and other letters can be sent to:

Elder Scott Kayson Pugmire
Mision Guatemala Retalhuleu
Boulevard Centenario, Zona 2, Salida
a Coatepeque
Apartado Postal No. 26
Retalhuleu Guatemala
C.A. 11001

Some packages will require you to have the mission office phone number 502 7771-2325

Week 5...9/9/2014...The Twelve Mateos and Relief Map

9-9-2014

The Twelve Mateos

Man, the weeks are flying by! Only one more week till I get on a bus to go into Reu! This week was such a blast! We got to go into the city for P-Day and it was amazing! We went to eat at Wendy's. Man, I don’t remember a burger ever tasting so good. It was like the nicest Wendy's I’ve ever seen too! They had a Foosball table and comfy couches. When we ordered food they had it out to you before you even left the counter, they were so fast! They even clear away your trash as we ate and took our trays! You all are missing out on this fast-food experience!

 We also went to the Relief map that is a 3D map of all of Guatemala!  It was possibly one of the coolest things I've ever seen! It was built in 1904 or something like that and it is so awesome! You all should look it up so you know what I’m talking about!

Editor's note:  Here's a quick youtube video  Relief Map Guatemala   and some info for school projects  Relief Map Info  

It took them 16 years of surveying on horseback to gather enough information, and it’s like 90% accurate! It’s incredible! Then we drove around the city and took tons of pictures! So we got our cameras for an hour and then had to give them back before we got into the CCM.

 We went to the Central Market and got to see all of the meat delicately displayed on hooks right out in the open. You could definitely tell which animal they came from. Then upstairs the market was incredible! They had just tons of artisan goods! I obviously have to work on my bartering skills though. I think a big part of it is just not understanding what people are saying to me.  

I bought a sweet Guatemala jersey and a wooden flute that is ridiculously hard to play because I don’t know any fingerings but it was like 25 quets so it was totally worth it!

Besides P-day we got a new volleyball! So finally we can start playing again! I love it here. The spirit is always so strong. We started this thing in our district where we go around and compliment one companionship at a time. We have such an amazing brotherhood. I'm so glad that most of them are going to my mission. But I'm going to miss a lot of other people!

So my friend has his card so he sent me some pictures (Thank you Elder Elggren!)

The pictures are all from the relief map I think and so it’s pretty sweet!

I love and miss you guys but I wouldn't trade this for the world. I've learned so much and can't wait to start changing people’s lives! The Church of Jesus Christ is so true; I have no doubts that anything in this restored gospel is wrong. Keep being positive in every aspect of life! Attitude is half the battle of life.
 Love, Elder Pugmire

Handwritten Letters

Handwritten Letter #1 received 9/4/14

Hey Pugmire Clan!

I always think getting mail is so fun so here's a little more than just an email!  I thought I had just run you through my typical day here at the CCM.

I wake up at 6:30 AM, pray then get dressed and head to the classroom.  There me and the rest of my district study from seven to 8:30 AM when we have breakfast till 9:00.  Then we have TALL which is 30 min on the computer to help learn Spanish.  Then we have another hour to study Spanish.  Then our teachers come in and teach us either something about how to be a good teacher or grammar in Spanish.  Then we have lunch for 45 minutes.  Then we have an hour to teach.  Usually thirty minutes for two companionship's or if it's not your teaching day you get to prepare for your next lesson or companion study.  We teach our teachers who are our investigators and we have to find their needs and teach according to those.  Right now we are teaching a girl named Veronica and a guy named Manaces.  I was teaching most of the lessons just because I'm a little more practiced at Spanish but I've  tried to make it now so both of us teach 50/50.  Then we switch teachers at 4:00 and have dinner at 5:00.  Then another hour of teaching then more instruction by our teachers.  Hermano Mendez is our night teacher and he is absolutely Hilarious!  Everything he says makes us laugh.  Then we have snack and finish up our instructional period.  Then we plan from 9-9:30 and then head to our rooms, read scriptures and write in our journals.  Oh!  I forgot Deportes!  Deportes are from 10:30-12 when we have 1 hour to work out and then shower before lunch. 

It's awesome here!  I'm learning so much Spanish as well as gospel stuff! 

Make sure your all reading your scriptures every night and day and praying every night and morning!  I think about you all every night and always have you in my prayers.  Love you and miss you all. . .

Love, Elder Scotty K. Pugmire

P.S. Please send the other letter to Cadet Andrew Mikulski.

Handwritten Letter #3. . . written 9/9/14. . . Individual notes to Family

Hey Pugmire Family!

I didn't have much time to write all of you individually so I thought I'd just do that in this letter.  But for me, I'm doing GREAT!  Today during deportes it was an absolute blast because it rained super hard!  So we played volleyball for a long time in the rain!  My hands are still super pruney and it's been like an hour!  I've only got a week left here which is just insane but I can't wait to get out in the field.  Anyway individuals . . .

Mom, I Just wanted to say thanks so much for all that you do.  You've been the best mom ever.  Thanks for always cooking and cleaning and raising me so well.  It's hard for me to see some of the guys in my District struggling so hard.  But I've been doing great because of everything you taught me and I'm so happy for that.  I spend most of my time looking for the person who looks the most down that day and try to pick them up a little bit.  I love you so much and miss you a TON!  Love your son, Elder Pugmire

Dad,  Thanks for everything you've done for me from coaching teams to being at my games and ceremonies to working all the time so I can participate in all of the events I do.  You are an amazing Dad.  The love you have for Mom and for each of us is really humbling for me.  I hope one day that I can be as good as a Dad as you are!  I love you so much and thanks for always being such a great example of a worthy Priesthood holder in our family.  It's blessed our lives so much!  I love and miss you so much.  Love, Elder Pugmire

Dear Zac,  I hope that your writing in your journal a lot because you're gonna look back on somethings and realize how much you've grown!  The biggest advice I have for you is to keep a positive attitude.  The difference between good and bad missionaries here is that they have a good attitude or not.  Keep doing the little things to prepare.  Pray both night and morning!  Love everyone you can!  I love you so much and want the absolute best for you!  Love your Big Brother,  Elder Pugmire

Dear Allie,  I hope that you're having a blast in high school!  It's super fun but make sure that you are always doing your absolute best to do all of your school work.  Make a ton of friends and always smile!  You never know whose day you'll make.  Be Anna's best friend.  Love your brother, Elder Pugmire

Dear Anna,  I heard you got asked to homecoming.  That's crazy!  Remember who you are:  first a child of God, second a part of our family, third a student at Eastview, and fourth a friend to others.  Have a blast in school and best luck!  Love, Elder Pugmire

Dear Grant,  It sounds like you're doing great with sports.  Keep up the hard work!  Love you buddy!  Be sure to say your prayers every day!  Love, Elder Pugmire

P.S. Please send the attachment to Andrew

Letter to Andrew...9/24/14

So Scotty often sends me letters to mail to his friends. I have never read them. I also have access to his email account and I never read that. Who has time to spy on their children? However this week I felt I should open the letter.  Good thing I did as Zac told me he had known about this for a while but was under brothers code not to tell... I was laughing so hard I was crying.  I hope you enjoy a laugh too!  Don't worry JaDee, I already talked to him about this!  Thanks so much for being wonderful brothers! I love all of you!

I'm on my week and out! I'm so pumped to get out! I mean the CCM is amazing but I feel like I'm not doing much here. I can't wait for next week to get to my mission to actually start teaching and spreading the word! I feel like my Spanish is decent but nowhere where I hope to be. But I know I'm going to pick it up even faster in the field.

Today was so much fun. We got a volleyball and we had a net so we played that like all day. Then it just started pouring and they just let us play volleyball in the rain! It was honestly one of the best things ever! All of our clothes are just absolutely soaking and we don't have laundry day till Thursday!

Okay so my roommate is from Vegas and he says there are people on the strip were just trash but still make a ton of money. He said that we could for sure make it down there and he said he would get us a show because he says he thinks the tricks I do are actually sick. At least that's what he told me. Also, I started hypnotism this week and it was so awesome! 

At first I just did one person, Elder Evans, just me and him.  And then I had him forget his name in front of everyone. And the next night was awesome. I hypnotize three people at once and had them talking in alien languages, laughing until he cried and it was so sweet! And the final night I did five people I had them thinking they were aliens again, and Victoria's Secret models, two sports announcers for sports that involved a knife and motorcycles and I'm not quite sure what.  Then there were some that thought they were Transformers. Their names were toaster-tron and turtle.  Toaster-tron would transform by curling up on his forearms the knees and then say ding and stick his butt up in the air when the toast was done.  It was so hilarious! 

Unfortunately, I guess hypnotism is slightly frowned upon by us Mormons.  I had to go have a nice little chat with our Mission President.  Well that was the end of that.  He was actually pretty cool about it and was asking where I learned it and if it really worked.  But other that and people calling me devil child, things are amazing!  Hope all is well with you. How's the Book of Mormon coming?  Any thoughts about it?

Love your bro, Elder Pugmire

PS definitely look into hypnosis because it is so dope

Week 4...9/1/14...Using exclamation marks becomes the norm

Editors note:  He seems to only be able to use exclamation marks. 

He grew cotton! (I asked about the CCM President as a farmer.)  I've only got like 15 minutes to write because I just heard from Andrew!

That's so amazing so much has changed I feel! That's so awesome! If you could get me Jacob's, Julia's, Emee's, and Brooklyn's email that would be fantastic! 

Time is starting to blend together. I can't really keep all of the days separated! This week was incredible though! I can't wait to go into the field! My Spanish is getting better every day and I'm learning so much every day! I can't wait to get to speaking fluently so I can talk about what I believe in without restraint! This week we had an amazing Sunday! President Cox talked about what kind of missionaries we ought to be and it was fantastic! We also had a video devotional from Elder Bednar and Elder Anderson were both amazing! Remind me to tell you a funny story about one of the teachers here next week because I'm running out of time! Elder Fisher in our district is a rap genius! I usually lay down the beats and he just goes nuts! He's soooo good! He's had some about the mission life, the spirit, and inspiration! He's hilarious! those Canadians. ; ) I love it here! This week we're sending out the last shipment of Elders before it becomes our turn! We get to sing tonight together which is just incredible every time. The reason I'm writing today is that tomorrow we get to go to the temple and then we are going to take a bus to go to the big market! I can't wait for its gonna be a blast! And then tomorrow I think we have like 3 General authorities so that's gonna be sweet! Anyway, the time is short but the Church is true, the Book is Blue and I love you all and miss you so much! 

Love, Elder Pugmire