What a week it's been! 5 days of long-term subbing down, 15 more to go. It hasn't been easy. I got home on monday in an anxious state of mind. We have two aides in there along with the teacher. But one of the aides was gone on Monday, and the other aide had to leave 15 minutes early because she get's paid for only 6 hours of work (but believe me, she is really good at what she does). So Mrs. Ramos had to leave 15 minutes before the end of the day, so I was left alone in an SDC class with several kids (mostly boys) with behavioral problems. On the schedule it said that they had extra PE for the last 15 minutes. Well, I took them outside. Bad idea for a boy named Michael in my class. He was chasing around a boy named Natan and starting fights with other members of the class. He was cussing like a drunken sailor. I felt so bad because I couldn't control them one bit, and mainly him. So, I was continually following him around making sure he didn't kill anyone. He made 15 minutes feel like 24 hours, I'm telling you. The bus drivers were concerned and watching from behind the gate (and judging, I'm sure).Well, I just came home and lay down on my bed for a while and willed myself to calm down. After a while, I was better.
However, that night, I went to our Halloween party and after a lot of noisy music, and a lot of talking people, I had to get away and sit out for a bit til I got better. I was a big help before the party, though. Sarah (who is in the FHE committee, and who was party in charge of the party) needed entry to the building, which I have a key for. And she needed access to our stash of party supplies, including eating utensils and bowls and plates. We had a food collection bag stapling center at the party. There was this ceirtain station because for yesterday and next Saturday, city of rancho cucamonga are doing a food drive to replenish their stores of food.
Sarah and I went out to leave paper bags at people's doorsteps with a paper on top telling the people what they were for. I got a blister on my left foot on the heel because one of my socks had a hole in it. After we were done, we watched the ending to Stranger Things season 1. We've been watching the first season together and Sarah's been getting into it. I can't wait to watch Season 2 which came out this last week. We're going to watch it together.
Gus and company invited Sarah and I to go watch Thor Ragnarok on Friday when it came out. IT is super good. No spoilers. You know, though, that Thor is not one of my favorite super heroes in general. Hulk was in it though.
Halloween was fun. We went to a block party on Sarah's block. The people were watching the 6th game of the World Series of Dodger vs. Astros. They won that game but lost overall.
Sarah and I have been double sided taping our pictures to blue cardstock. Still talking about what to do for a honeymoon, and where we are going to live in a few weeks. We'll get that done soon. After today, we have four more classes of Self-reliance classes, so one more month.
I hope you are doing well! Drop me at least one line or two so I can figure out how you are doing? Just one line.
I love you!
John
Jonbonbififofon!!
Sorry it's been a few weeks since I've written you an email. I have lots of time to write letters, but sitting around and writing emails all P-Day long can get quite monotonous and tends to make my headaches even worse. But I wanted to be sure to write you first this week so you can know that I haven't forgotten about you, man. I'll never forget about you.
I was sorry to hear about this situation that you were put in with the SDC kid. You know, you do a good job of hiding your anxiety, and for that, I commend you. For some reason, I thought that the medication and counseling that you received miraculously cured you from all symptoms, but now I know that that's not the case. You still have fits of anxiety. And that's okay. It's great to see that you can still be successful and live a normal life despite these hurdles.
In short, I'm doing alright. I think I've mentioned, mornings are especially bad for me. But once we finally leave the apartment and start working, I start to feel a bit better. The headaches and jaw pain are annoying, but hopefully those will be remedied soon. My companion is sorta getting on my nerves as well, but that's just a part of mission life, I guess. I know that you had your fair share of rough companions, and you got through it. Elder Payne is actually not THAT bad. He just has little motivation, which makes it rough to get him to contribute, and I feel a little overwhelmed sometimes. But I'll get through it, so no worries.
A month and a half until the big day, huh?? That's just CRAZY. So much good stuff is happening while I've been gone, I'm so grateful for that. Tell Sarah T I said hi, and that I am in the process of reading the talks that she sent me right now.
Thanks so much for the Roger updates! Sounds like he's continued to tear it up while I've been gone!! I absolutely love it!! Too bad, he didn't end the year being ranked no.1, but if had to be anyone else, I'm glad it was Rafa. That dude deserves it as well. Gosh I miss tennis. I haven't played for AGES.
I'm glad Thor Ragnarok was good. Add that to the list, my friend. I know how much you love making lists.
What would an email from your baby missionary brother be without a few requests? Firstly, my friend Kylie is not doing super great. She's just very down in the dumps about a lot of things. I was wondering if you would mind mailing her that painting I did of the Manti temple? You know, the last painting I did before my mission. It's pretty big. It may require going to the post office. If that's too much to ask, don't worry about it. But if you would like to, her address is:
7 Heritage Halls #1202
Provo, Utah 84602
Also, there were a few songs that I would like, if you're feeling up to it. I tried asking Sarah for them, but she lost lots of music due to the death of her laptop. Those songs are:
- Beautiful Lie by Hans Zimmer
- Man of Steel Main Theme
- X-men music
- Amazing Spiderman theme
- Preacher by One Republic
-Kids by One Republic
- It's Time by Imagine Dragons
- On Top of the World by Imagine Dragons
If you don't have any of those songs, don't worry about it.
John, keep doing what you're doing. I love you to the moon and back. I hope that you know that. Keep me informed on the wedding preparations! I'm excited for you!!
Elder Jacob Gonzales
