Prom Queen for Life: 4 de Julio

Editor's note: Since the creation of the 58 new missions Hannah's mission split and as of July 1 is in the ARGENTINA COMODORO mission. That is why she talks about a new mission president. Her new address is:

Hermana Hannah Robins (You must put Hermana!)

Casilla de correo 167

Comodoro Rivadavia

Codigo Postal 9000

Chubut, Argentina

Well the 4th of July really isn't the same outside the United States, but I was determined to celebrate. I made empanadas de manzanas. I was very creative because it is like an apple pie-South American style. I even dressed up in red, white, and blue. It was the least I could do to show my American pride.

Then we went and met our new mission president and his wife! They had only been in Argentina for 4 days and it was clear...they are from Utah. When I wished them a "happy fourth of July" the wife was going to cry. I guess they have a big family and they always go to the Provo parade toghether. My first impression of the President's wife was not good. She asked me, in English, where I was from and then gave a half effort attempt to ask my companion, in Spanish. Ok that is fine, but then she asked me, "Why don't all the missionaries speak English?" Ummm and how is your Spanish? Anyway I quickly remembered how nervous I was when I girst got to Argentina and so I cut her a break. Anyway I fell good with the new president! He came in with a ton of energy. His goal for the mission is to get a temple, but more importantly to focus on getting everyone to the temple. I totally agree and I'm so excited to work with him. He serve in this mission many years ago so he know Spanish. I was impressed with the little presentation of "the goal." His Spanish is a little rusty but he got up there with confidence and by the end I wanted to jump up and scream, "heck yeah, I'll do whatever it takes!" Which is very different than the last president. Then we had our personal interviews with the wife and then the president. Both of them asked me about me and just let me talk. The president gave me some advice about the language. It was mostly be patient and relax and all that stuff I already knew, but needed someone else to tell me. Then we took the zone picture (where the sisters always have to sit in the chairs like old grandmas). And oh, how different it went. He was laughing and taking pictures of the elders goofing around. I'm very excited to work with him because he views us all as individuals vs. robots sent out to do the dirty work. I just hope he doesn't lose that once he meets the disobedient missionaries...