Big Changes . . .

Dear Family,
    
Yes, Matt emailed me and told me about some changes of his.  He seems to be having a great time and I can't believe that he has already hit a year!  It's crazy talk!  Time has flown by, but it also kind of seems like a long time since I have been home...
    
So, transfer calls came this morning!  The new call Bávaro (sp?)  It's the tropical paradise on the East tip of the island...full of white sand beaches, sparkling waters and enchanting views.  Lounge under the shade of a stunning palm, while sipping on your ice cold pína colada...jk - But really, I am going to Bávaro - the furtherest possible area on the entire island.  It is near Punta Cana.  My new companion is pretty brand spanking new with just 6 weeks in the field I believe.  American.  Oh, and we will be the only missionaries in the whole city.  The area only has been open for a few weeks, so I will almost be starting from scratch.  I am kind of overwhelmed, and not quite sure what to think...the reason everyone thought I was going to the islands is because in my interview, president said, "Elder McBride, we need more elders like you.  elders that I can trust and send far away and know that they are doing a good job", and other things like that.  The area I heard, is about 6 hours bus ride from the Capitol, so I guess I won't be seeing any other missionaries for a while.  I have only really heard rumors of the place though, because it is so new.  It is supposed to be a super rich, vacation destination for a lot of people.  I have met quite a few Dominicans who travel in to work in the resorts, but can't afford to live there.  This place is going to be so much different than the mission I have known so far that I don't really know what to expect.  It is supposed to be super expensive, and I don't thank that I will be getting a money increase.  So, I will have to learn how to live a little more providently.  It looks like I am destined to serve in the Santo Domingo Mission and never serve in Santo Domingo.  This should be quite the transfer.
    
Yes, I am sad to leave Valiente because I have really come to love this place, but the excitement of tackling this new assignment, almost alone - kind of overwhelms and overshadows that a little bit.  I probably won't see near as many baptisms there as I have seen here, so that will be a little disappointing too, but I'll live.  I have seen more than my fair share so far.
    
Sorry, I am going to cut this e-mail here.  The computers are super slow today and I still need to write the e-mail to the home ward...but I will be sure to give a good description of the area next week!  Take care.

Elder McBride