Q&A

Dear Mom,

Some answers:

      
What is the biggest difference you have noticed between the culture of Argentina vs the culture of America?

Hm, the biggest difference I see is that of religion (probably because that’s what I talk about all day long). The majority of people that I talk with have no clue what the scriptures say and are content to agree with whatever their pastor says. They are very loyal to their faiths and families.

Another big difference is the attitude towards time. In America, I feel like we’re pretty   aware of where we spend time and are careful to lend our time to others, especially if we don’t know them. Argentina is really relaxed. Despite the fact that most people say that they’re “really busy” to avoid talking to you, I have only seen one person seem like they were in a hurry to get somewhere or get something done.  Lots of time is spent just chatting with friends and family drinking mate.

What strength/quality have you found you have developed the most since being on your mission?

I have felt a huge shift in my desires while I’ve been here. Before I would have never thought to help someone go to church or visit someone who needed some help. Now, I cannot believe that I didn’t encourage others to be active in the church every week! I mean, I had a truck and lived 3 blocks from the chapel. I’m set on helping the ward out more when I get home.

I’ve also felt more desires to help our family out. Very rarely have I openly talked one on one with my siblings or cousins about the gospel and about Jesus. I realize now that being a brother or cousin puts me in a place where I can help bless my family more. I am supposed to actively fight for them to be part of our eternal family.

Are there any differences between the youth in the church there vs here?  Are people there as much into social media?

I don’t see many differences between the youth here and the youth at home. There is a different attitude towards dating. Group dating/casual dating doesn’t exist here to my knowledge. People are just as into social media. The biggest social media here is WhatsApp. Everyone uses it.

-What made me laugh?

A lot of things. I laugh a lot with Elder Elkins, at myself, at my Spanish, at other gringos' Spanish, at jokes. Elder Elkins told me a really funny joke this morning but it doesn't make any sense in English, sorry. I also laugh a lot when we have lessons with Gladys and her family. Her little girl Johana is the cutest and always ask me to draw with her in church. 

-What did I learn this week

I learned that chicken pox is contagious and scares parents (here at least). Gladys' baby has chicken pox. When the ward found out that he was at church a few kinda freaked out. They pulled us out of class and told us that they had to leave right away. I was aware that chicken pox is contagious but I didn't think it was that big of a deal. Isn't it better to have chicken pox when you're young and then not get measles when you're older? Anyways, apparently not many have the chicken pox vaccine here so we dealt with that :)

-Favorite thing about Elder Elkins

Elder Elkins has really pure desires to help other people. He is really focused on doing what he can to find and baptize people. I love his example of selflessness that he has. 

-Favorite Conference talk?

I loved Elder Christofferson's talk about the sacrament. Having meaning sacrament meetings has been a weak point for me in my conversion. I want to improve my testimony of the sacrament so that I can more powerfully teach others about the Sabbath Day and the blessings we can receive from going to church. Attending church is a big challenge for people here. 

-Organ

I've actually been relieved from playing the organ. A member of our ward got married and his wife plays the piano very well. Hallelujiah! I can now start to learn the Hymns in Spanish. 

I hope that answers your questions well enough. I like when you send questions. It gives me  something to focus on.

Love,

Elder Smith