We weren't sure what time the Skype call would come in so we were on "high alert" all morning! Around 1pm, I received a FB message from Elder Vogt (via a church member's FB account in Managua) that he would be calling around 4pm. We were ready to go! Had the laptop connected to a big screen TV and set to record the whole thing! Of course, it couldn't go without issues and we attempted for over a half hour to get connected with each other (Seth said that it was raining really bad over there and wasn't sure he'd have internet access). He wasn't able to login to his account but eventually (with many prayers being plead in my heart!) his image popped up on the screen and we all cheered!
Things I noticed:
* He looked GOOD! No, GREAT!! His countenance shone and he looked genuinely HAPPY!
* He was in a really nice house (turned out to be the house of one of their Bishopric members who is a Dentist there in Managua)
* It was so fun to hear him speak Spanish to those in the house with him
* He had a fresh haircut and he looked so handsome!
* We briefly said Hello to his companion (Elder Alfaro) and noticed he was wearing the new tie we sent him for Christmas (he was sweet and thanked us in broken English)
Things we learned:
* Heard about all of the people he is teaching in Nicaragua
* Heard him bear his testimony in Spanish
* Heard all about the food there
* How he can drink the water (without the filter) and hasn't gotten sick. He doesn't think that's the case in all parts of the Mission, but in Managua it is
* He is not homesick any longer (he was the first few weeks)
* They walk A LOT
* Clothes/Shoes are all holding up well (granted, he has only been out 3.5 months)
* Food is really bland and not much of a variety
* Heard about the service opportunities he's had
* He wanted to talk 1-on-1 with each of the siblings (that was fun!)
* It rains A LOT there... he likes the light rain (it cools him off) but he's not a fan of the torrential downpours
* He feels like he grew (Spiritually) a lot in the MTC and is growing lots with the Spanish language since being in Managua. He feels like he's seen miracles and answers to prayers in regards to learning the language
* He enjoys the people there
* Everyone loves to feed them
* He is getting used to the heat and humidity
It was really a special time to be able to talk and to see him! It really assured my heart to see him looking so well and we all just felt confirmation that he's right where the Lords wants him!
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