Week 1 - Industrial

Well this week had definitely been an experience and a culture shock ha. we teach at least 15 lessons everyday, so we are keeping busy. My area is called Industrial, and is the smallest are in the mission. I thought it was big at first, but then on Wed. i went on splits with one of the zone leaders, and their area is GIANT!! on his fitbit it said we had walked 15 miles ha. My area is kinda the Ghetto of Torreon and is a little scary. If i wasn't a missionary i would be very scared to walk around here at night. I just never feel like i'm in danger as a missionary. My area is Very poor and has a lot of problem with drugs. Most of the families that we teach have dirt floors and no power. Its a very humbling experience to be here. My companion is great, although he gets mad at me when i don't understand what he saying ( which is quite often ). Other then that ive learned a lot from him. hes a great teacher. Im amazed with the people here. Almost every house we go to lets us in to teach. They are willing to accept the gospel, they just dont want to go to church. we had 65 people there yesterday, which is a third of how many members we have in our area. we currently have 4 baptismal dates. we got one new one this week. sadly none of them came to church ha. Everyday at 2 we have comida with a family in our ward. everyday without a doubt we have chicken, rice, and some kind of juice. Missionaries here arent allowed to drink coke which makes me very sad. They want us to stand out from everyone, and everyone here drinks coke like water so they decided we cant drink it. Although i found Dr. Pepper once and we are allowed to drink that. Also we aren't allowed to wear regular clothes on Pday. Unless we are playing sports. There's this one guy in our area that has a huge problem with drugs, and on Thursday he tried to steal my Bible ha, i just backed away and Instead he snatched my Book of Mormon and booked it. luckily he took my Book of Mormon to hand out and not my personal one. Yesterday we aw him get arrested so i don't think we will have anymore problem with him. This coming Wed. all the missionaries in Torreon are going downtown to sing hymns, so we´ve had quite a few practices last week and we have another one tonight. Its fun to get together with all the other missionaries from the ccm and swap stories. Its funny that after only like 1 or 2 days we all have crazy stories. ( some of which ill keep to myself ha ). Its been a great action packed week this week. I'm staying safe and working hard. This Thursday we have an activity with the president all day, so that should be fun. I think its sports and a movie. Sadly Christmas here isn't that big of a deal, so we just have more of the same on Christmas. Much love family! Know all of you are in my prayers ever day and that i miss you all with all my heart! Have a wonderful Christmas this week!!!

Love Elder Richardson.