September 22 update (a day late)

We were SOOO eager to get Elder Kenison's weekly update on Monday, so we could find out about his new area and companion! We waited ALL DAY for it to come; as the afternoon wore on and we passed the normal P-day hour, we were very disappointed. Something must have happened to prevent him from sending an email! We tried to imagine what that was, but nothing made us feel better. We assumed we were destined to wait another week to find details! (We realize are terribly spoiled by this instant communication nowadays.)

Then suddenly, late on Tuesday (a day late), the emails started to arrive! We were thrilled to get some news. Apparently his companion had talked with the "computer place" (was assume that means Internet Cafe) in the area (owned by a Church member) and found their computers were having issues on Monday, so they were able to postpone that part of their P-day until Tuesday.

So here's the news! Elder Kenison is now serving in Maipú, a suburb of Santiago at the southwest corner of the metro area (click on the map at the right to see more details of location). Matt's comment on the name of the city, in typical missionary humor:

(pronounced... "my poo" some great jokes from the name haha)

The urban setting is quite a contrast from his last area, which was out on the coast:

it's way different its more of a city than Cartagena. LOTS of busses and taxis haha it's been crazy trying to find my way around. my companions been helping though haha luckily. :D

About his new companion:

he's from Argentina. a latin haha Elder Urbieta. he's really cool. he's been out for 10 months. he's the district leader. he's a really... tranquilo (chill) individuale. he's really good at 'bebe' too haha

I'm guessing "bebe" might be a nickname for "basketball"? He mentioned the term once before, saying they were going to the Church on p-day to play bebe with some of the young men. [UPDATE: I have been informed by Spencer Mecham, Matt's first companion, that "bebe is actually a soccer game that is only different because the ball is heavier. Thus it can't be hit high easily and most of the game is played on the ground level."]

Part of the complication of the week included the Chilean Independence Day celebrations (Sept 18), and getting settled into the new apartment. It's smaller than his last place, with not much shelf or storage space for food and supplies. Matt mentioned that he brought his flour and sugar and everything to make brownies from the old apartment — some of the essential supplies! We're not sure how he fit all of that into his suitcases...

There were 66 people attending the ward on Sunday in Maipú — quite a bit fewer than in Cartagena. He said there was a recent baptism in the area, so we hope there is some good enthusiasm!

We were sad to not receive photos again, but we're at least thrilled to know "all is well" and Elder Kenison continues to love his mission!