Lindstead - 1

I never thought that I'd be praying for the gift of tongues in an "English speaking" mission. But I HONESTLY can't understand A WORD people say here. I'm dead serious. Patwa is a whole new language and they won't speak English unless I ask them to. Then I have to ask them to slow down. And then I still can't get understand the accent. It's alright thought, because I love Jamaica. The people are great. So nice and willing to talk. Granted, it may be because they are all either high, drunk, or both, but nonetheless, they are a great people and I love them.

I'm serving in Linstead. Linstead is middle-most mission on the island. In the thick of the forest. I haven't seen the ocean since the plane ride, and I was aisle seat, so I haven't really seen the ocean since before that. Linstead is also a lot cooler than the other parts of the island. It still is crazy hot and hellishly humid, but it's a lot worse on the rest of the island. Jamaica has been in a drought for a while, not a lot of rain. Everywhere on the island.... except for Linstead. A whole lotta rain everyday so far. But biking in the rain is fun. And I'd rather be soaked from rain+sweat than just sweat so it's fine. Sweat though. The humidity will get you. My comp says he hasn't been clean since before his mission. You get out of the shower, dry off, but you never actually get dry.

My comp. I've really been wanting to have a trainer that works hard, and luckily Elder Hall is that guy. He's hard-working and knows his stuff. He's got Patwa down as well. Enough for the two of us. He's developed a really good relationship with the members here. I hope to be able to do that as well. Unfortunately, I don't talk much at all. And that is all because I get embarrassed to communicate with people because I don't understand what they're saying. Elder Hall has to be the Translator - but only one-way. Me to Jamaican and then Jamaican to Me (Me doesn't understand Jamaican) so actually Jamaican to E. Hall to Me. The other missionaries say I'll pick up Patwa decently well in the next few months.

There are 6 missionaries serving in Linstead. All Elders. The other 2 companionships have pretty small areas. They actually walk most places. Elder Hall and I are actually in a driving area.... with no car. We bike everywhere. We'll go teach a lesson 7 miles one way, then drive another 5 or so to another, than maybe 2 to the next, then 3 more to another, ALL DAY LONG. I'm gonna have huge legs when I get back. It's actually the largest area on the island, and we're biking it instead of driving.

Another cool thing. Everyone here goes by their 'yard name'. Pinky, Baussy Pig, Sugar, Juneby, Shawtta, Fatta, etc.. I've been given two so far. "Curry-Flava" and "Brown-Mon" Hahaha. These were given to me as E. Hall and I were helping with construction on an investigators house.

Right now we have Sebastian committed for baptism on the 30th of this month. Sebastian is in a wheelchair, and WHEELCHAIRS himself to church (prolly 3 miles) every Sunday for the past 5 or 6 weeks. He's 20 and was born with disfigured legs. He has short legs to his knees, disfigured knees, a nubbin on his right leg, and twisted legs and feet past his knees. He is such a happy and bright person though. We believe we can get his brother to commit to baptism as well.

I love Jamaica. I love Jamaicans. I love Missionary Work. The Work is the same whether you're in Jamaica, San Antonio, Mexico, Salem, or Peru. I'm so grateful to be a part of this wonderful work.

peace

Elder Ritchie