7/5/12

 

Just to start out with, thank you to everyone who has sent me letters or packages during my time here. I appreciate all of the love and support everyone has shown towards me.

 

I used a lot of the advice that everyone gave to me regarding my companion Elder Judd. It seems as though we are getting along well, and that any problems we had with each other are behind us. I have had a pretty stressful week otherwise, so I'm glad that I didn't have to deal with my companion as much as I thought I would. I have been sick for the last week or so. Other than for serious surgery, I don't think that I have ever been this sick before. I have been into the health clinic here at the MTC twice in the last 4 days, and both times I had different symptoms and received different prescriptions. I got Claritin for nasal congestion, and Ranitidine for acid reflux and intestinal distress on Monday. Today I went in and got a cough supressant, and got an inhaler for breathing problems (apparently the doctor thinks i got asthma by moving 20 miles south). I have been in a lot of pain and discomfort, and I have completely missed the last 2 days of classes because I was confined to my residence hall. As of now, we are only treating symptoms, because we can't seem to figure out exactly what I have. I have another appointment scheduled for this next Monday. My guess is that I'll show up with completely different symptoms than before, and I'll get 2 more prescriptions. The one thing that we can almost assuredly drop out of contention is that I got all of this from missionary stress. I actually did think that stress might have played a big role in all of this, but I guess that I really am sick. Oh well.

 

On a happier note, I have really been humbled by this experience. I've only been here for 2 weeks, and I feel like it's been 2 years already. I feel like as soon as I stepped into this blessed campus I pretty much forgot all of the outside world. All that I have now is family and friends.

 

I am still struggling with the language, but that is to be expected at this point. I am eating healthier, exercising as much as possible, and it seems to be paying off for the most part. Other than being deathly sick with the plague, I have felt really good about my health.

 

As a side note, I get to read letters throughout the week (including dearelder emails), and I only get to read other emails on Thursdays as well as write my email and other letters.

 

I forgot to add in my last letter that I saw Koy Ash, Rachel Black, James McKinnon, and Boone Smith last week. No new missionaries this week that I recognize though.

 

Love always, Elder Chris Porcelli

 

P.S. write more dearelders!!!