Thoughts and comments.........I hope they help.

Hey Family,
Thank you for the info. Your right....is that a fact or opinion? fact! I love how we always had to ask you that, Dad. I am actually realizing that the mission isn't as hard as I was making it. My companion Elder Pantoja is really funny and exactly what I need in this moment. He loves to be with the members....and not teach things....it drives me nuts sometimes. I have been a missionary robot for so long it was hard to really talk and socialize with people about things other than lesson 1,2,3, etc. ha ha. BUT I LOVE IT!!! The truth is my teaching is improving a lot when I teach more as advice to my friend than to an investigator.


Mexican Border Culture Class:
In the area of Tijuana Mexico there is a diverse range of culture based upon the attractive opportunities of being close to the border. People come from all over Mexico and also from other countries to either cross to the United States or take part in business opportunities. There is the extremely rich and also the extremely poor. This clash of different lifestyles and culture creates what we know as a "melting pot". :) I still remember that term!


Religion:
Everyone usually was, is, or was born Catholic. Recently, the Pope visited Mexico and there was a huge celebration. As I was checking out my groceries one P-day I saw a picture of him decked out in a giant sombrero. The Catholics are huge believers in the Virgin of Guadalupe. They have shrines, bumper stickers, and even widely known pharmices based on her.
There is also a big group with the name of "Christians". To be called Christian usually has the meaning of a religion such as Mormons or Catholics. The "Christians" are usually famous for the sanctions and other demonstrations of a marvelous nature. It gets a little difficult as we explain to people that yes we are Christians but no we aren't "Christians".
The other really big one is The Jehovah Witnesses. They are the only ones that really proselyte like we do and usually travel as families knocking doors in the morning and the only ones with Umbrellas for the sun. They are very similar to us as far as proselyting goes and have to explain that no we are not "the witnesses". One day I suggested to Elder Rico, another missionary on divisions, that we should contact every person in the street with an umbrella. ha ha. 


Well that's all I got for you guys. Love you all.
Elder Hanson