Chicago Letter #1

Leshelle with first missionary companion Hermana Maughan along with Chicago Mission president & his wife, President & Sister Doll.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Dolls are great. They don't settle - they have high standards and expect a lot, but they are relaxed. Sweet people.

Guess how I acquired a large tear in my skirt on the first day in the field??? Well, it just so happens that I am in the area of the only sisters on bikes full time!!! My legs are going to be amazing! We ride rain, snow, sun, sweat, whatever. Already I've experienced all but snow. Oh, let's not forget wind. I have nearly been knocked over by the wind twice already. It's powerful - the windy city. We're in the heart of downtown Chicago. I fell asleep to sirens and the train. Not to worry - I had no trouble getting to sleep. Our area is really segregated by race and socioeconomics. Chicago is fascinating. This gal is accustomed to bike riding in the open spaces and mountains. It's busy here: cars + pedestrians + wind + weather + not a city girl = lots of fun experiences. I'm getting better every time. The soreness has not given up yet. I'll conquer that someday. Also: wind + skirt = I love bike shorts and leggings (thank goodness for the dress code change that allows them).

Oh, here is another math problem to work out: Bike all day + missionary = HUNGRY all day! It's so funny. I like food a lot, anyway. But, man! I am hungry! If anyone gets bored and wants to send some healthy snacks, I would not send them back...

Okay, I have another bike math problem: Humidity + my hair + helmet = (this one is for someone to win a prize for the best answer). Let me know what you think.

My companion is fun. She's from Arizona, laid back, and her first name is Timothie. No joke. She is really easy to talk to. She says she struggles with Spanish, but I think she's pretty good. We speak more English than I'd like, but I'm working on that.

We visited Irma last night, and her two cute girls. One is four months and one is two. Irma is 19. She lives with her parents. Between Irma and her mom, they take care of her sister's three kids because her sister split. Irma was involved in gangs and lived a rough life. Serious trouble. The Gospel changed her life completely. She was baptized the day before I arrived. It was neat to meet her. Her older daughter, Maria Victoria LOVED me. I guess I have a funny face because she kept laughing at it. I was told by Hermana Maughan that Victoria has never really liked anyone. Maria stayed with me during our entire visit.

I can hardly believe I am actually here. It's so unreal. Hermana Maughan has only been in this area for 6 weeks. She never navigated around the city - her previous companion did that! So, we've had some adventures biking through Chicago.

We are guessing that I'll be in this area for 12 weeks because my incoming group of missionaries is a pilot for a new training program. Likely, I could be a trainer after only 12 weeks! The new program is really different. If it takes off, they want to implement it throughout the entire mission, which would use some of us as trainers potentially. That's a bit terrifying, given I currently know so little.

The weather is crazy here. I get hot riding a bike, while my hands and legs are cold. It's humid and almost warm at times, then it will get really cold - rainy in either the warm or cold weather. President Doll said it rains at least once a week year round. So much for ever doing my hair. More time to study and learn, I say.