Last week in San Fernando

Hi Mom!

This week was great! I have a good number of pictures to send you so hopefully, I can get the computer to work. 

On Saturday, President Smith called me and told me that I'm being assigned to serve in the Parque Brown ward in the Liniers Stake! Parque Brown is in the very corner of the mission in Capital. My area is one half of the Villa 20. It's pretty crazy that I'm going there but I am excited to go to an area that has a higher concentration of people. I'm also very happy to be returning to full-time finding and teaching. I'm going to be a zone leader with Elder Alfaro de El Salvador. He was in my zone a few months ago and we got along great! I'll tell you more about him next week. Tomorrow is when all of the changes happen. 

My last week in San Fernando was fantastic! We taught the Mucha-Quinto family twice during the week with Bishop Murillo, Katherin and Elder Wride and 4 of the 5 family members came to church! Their names are Marcelo (dad), Ana (mom), Gabriel (16), Mariana (11), and Agustina (9). Gabriel didn't come because of some previously made commitment. However, his parents and sisters talked to him so much about how much they liked the church that he's already eager to come this Sunday. The ward received the family extremely week. I can tell that the Bishop was just giddy to see a new family come to church (for the most part, new people come alone or with a friend who is a member of the church). I send updates that I get from Elder Stokes on how they do in the coming weeks.

 Taking a selfie with Elder Mitchell, Katherin y Marcia

 Last day in San Fernando 

First day with Elder Domínguez

Last Monday, we had our last meeting with Rosa (Marcia and Katherin's mom). She was sad to be leaving her daughters but was very happy to hear that the sister missionaries in Italy would be visiting her as soon as she got there! We heard yesterday that she arrived well and went to church in Florence with the missionaries.

Yes! I was happy for Robbin, too! Robbin told us that he was unsure about being baptized before but has seen how much good it has brought to his friends' lives and felt that he was ready now. 

Mini mission within the mission

Dear Mom,

The office seems like a mini-mission within my mission. It feels like I've entered a time-space vortex. Elder Crandall and I have been together for so long, but every day passes so quickly. One advantage about being together for so much time is that we've got the office work down like pat. We're able to spend more time teaching in our area now because we can complete our workload more quickly. Elder Crandall is leaving in one week (sad day) and I will be training a new secretary to take my place (99% sure about that one). 

Elder Drummond and I had a good experience last week (if you don't remember, Elder Drummond is the mission financial secretary. We were in the MTC together). There was a little mix up with some work that we ordered a month ago; two companies had pulled some tricks and we noticed. So, we got to go visit their offices and go into "business-mode." Everything turned out well and we just laughed afterward because two young white kids had ruffled the feathers of a bunch of adults. Oh, the offices. 

I don't recall if I've told you about Luis yet. Short run down: we've been teaching him for about a month. 60 years old. Lives in a little brick room on top of his kids' house. Loves the book of Mormon. Has 15 teeth (give or take a molar). Born in Chile. Struggles with loneliness. Always grateful. 

He's been coming to church and is on track to be baptized at the end of the month. We had a spiritual lesson with him on Saturday. We shared the first vision of Joseph Smith with him, and as we did I could feel the spirit bringing a peace into my heart. Just a quick reassurance that what we teach is true and that it's the way to be happy. 

That's great that the Doctor Lund talk was edifying. What were the main ideas that he presented? What is Andrew up to? I haven't heard from him in a while. Isn't he working? 

In my personal study, I've been focusing on the prophecies of Christ in the Book of Mormon. Did you know that the name Christ doesn't show up until 2 Nephi 10? Nephi and Lehi always use other titles like The Lamb of God or the Messiah to refer to Jesus Christ. (I thought that Messiah and Christ both meant "anointed one" one in Hebrew and one in Greek. Wouldn't it show up as the same thing in the Book of Mormon because it was written in reformed Egyptian? I'm not sure but I want to learn more about that later). Studying with a focus on the prophecies has helped me see an outstanding central message: Jesus is the Christ. He ministered among the Jews, was crucified by them and gave His life so that we may be saved. I love this simple message. 

Overall, things are going great! I'm excited for General Conference. 

Have a great week!

Love,

Elder Smith

Argentines care for their elderly

Dear Mom, 

The Argentines take care of their grandparents and great-grandparents very well. I have been surprised by how many people have their elderly parents living in their home so that they can take care of them. There is a strong sense of responsibility to take care of those that raised you. In Zarate, we taught the family Leviosa; their house had great-grandpa, grandpa, mom and dad, and kids all living together and sharing the responsibility to care for one another. I commented to Elder Pereyra that retirement homes are common in the states and he was shocked. 

We have been running to the chapel and playing soccer with all of the office elders for the past few weeks so exercise is back in my life. I do miss the outdoors: swimming, hiking, green... but, there will be time for that later. 

Elder Wride is from Aberdeen Idaho (the Snyders might know him?) but has lived in Cleveland for the majority of his life. He is a big-time auditor. He worked for Standard Oil and Sherman Williams along with other companies that he started with his sons. He served a mission in Argentina when it was all one mission. Hermana Wride is from Buenos Aires. They met in Buenos Aires and got married after Elder Wride's mission. 

Our interactions with them are fun. They play a grandparent role in the offices. Hermana Wride helps me with all of the referrals in the mission. Elder Wride is the office manager so he supervises and tells us wisdom filled stories. 

Food: I strung the Life Cereal over 3 days, mostly because I ran out of milk on the first day. The granola bars made it two days. We didn't know they had peanuts in them but fortunately, Elder Crandall only got a little sick (he's allergic to peanuts). 

Garments: 10 out of 10. 

Andrew: not exactly sure what you can do. I had a good experience this week. I was feeling a little frustrated with my companions because being in a trio is not the easiest thing in the world. I thought, "hm, how can I communicate to them that they need to do such-and-such thing? Why don't they just see it?" I stewed over it for a while thinking that if they didn't do all of their part they I would stop and show them how much I was doing. And then realized, "you know what? God doesn't ask me make my companions do their best, He just askes me to do my best. That's all I can do and that's that best way that I can influence them." So, I stopped grumbling and put my shoulder to the wheel. 

The situation with Andrew is different because your him mom not his companion but you can only do you best. You desire to help him and I am certain that God will give you the guide and strength that you need. You have the scriptures and prayer You have dad. I would say that you are well armed for any battle. 

I love you, Mom! 

Your son,

Elder Smith 

How we find people to teach

Hi Mom, 

We usually find investigators by talking with people in the street or knocking on doors. We are currently teaching a family that we found a week ago. The grandpa and a good number of his kids and grandkids all live together. The grandpa (Luis) and one of the grandsons (Elian) came to church on Sunday. They are doing great. We also find people by inviting family members or other people who happen to be in the house to participate in the lesson. That's about it. 

Elder Mitchell, Elder Crandall and I are together for the majority of the day. We've been working more with the members from our ward at night when we go and do visits and usually do spits amongst the four of us. As for the last time we laughed, hmmm, I think it was about an hour ago when we were eating with the Wrides. They invited us over to lunch. Elder Wride is constantly telling stories and jokes; we always get good laughs when we're with him. 

Our ward has an older lady that plays the piano every week. She plays very well. I did get to pitch hit the other day in a farewell for a missionary that is leaving this week to Chile (don't tell dad, they do farewells and homecomings here). 

On Pday, we do some office work, play soccer, eat, buy stuff, clean the apartment, write, and sometimes sleep. This morning we had a meeting with President Smith to get ready for the next few days. 

I did get my package! Thank you!!!! I already ate all of the Life Cereal and Reeses. And the granola bars. They're all gone. I loved the little notes from everyone. Tell them thanks for remembering me. 

As for plans and girls, I'll let that take care of itself when I get home. I can now reasonably comprehend the time that I have left here and it's scary. Time to get to work!

I realized this week how good dad is at pondering the scriptures. I would always get annoyed when he would talk about the same verse of scripture for a whole week (or month, or year, or lifetime) (D+C 121) but I realize now that that is exactly what we are supposed to do with the scriptures. They don't do us any good if we just read them and enjoy the nice stories. 

I love you, Mom! Thanks for everything. 

Love,

Elder Smith

New people to teach

Dear Mom, 

I'm glad that the trip turned out well! You're right, having Dad around does make things brighter. I'm currently trying to learn to have a positive attitude all of the time. Challenges and little hiccups often come up in the offices and having a good outlook makes a big difference. 

We found new people to teach this week, WAHOO!!!! Teaching and testifying of the gospel is the happiest part of being a missionary! Last night Elder Mitchell and I taught about the first vision of Joseph Smith to the Sandez family. I always feel the spirit as we talk about Joseph Smith seeing God the Father and Jesus Christ. Explaining to others helps me remember how fortunate we are to have knowledge of the true nature of God. 

Thanks for sharing about how things are going with Andrew. I bet it's hard to kind of let go a little more and let him make choices. I frequently feel the desire to be back at home to be with him and see the experiences, growth, and challenges that he has. 

We had 4 zone conferences this week. That means 4 days in a row of Chinese rice and egg rolls. Haha, we discovered that gallbladders have a limited capacity because, wow. 

In our zone conference, we watched a video of Elder and Sister Holland teaching about the Book of Mormon. I was impressed that I need to strengthen my testimony of the Book of Mormon and dedicate more time and effort to pondering its message. I had a cool idea of how I can approach the Book of Mormon in a different way to get more out of it. I'll tell you about it later when I've tried it out for a little bit longer. Today was day one. 

I love you! Let me know if you have any questions about anything. 

Elder Smith

Being Part of the Office Team

Dear Mom, 

The offices are going great! This week passed really fast! We worked a lot and were able to find a few people to teach! They didn't come to church on Sunday but people rarely come the first week that they meet us. More visits and teaching will help them feel the desire to go to church. Transfers turned out surprisingly well. We decided to use three taxi companies to do all of the traveling that the mission needed (one of the companies previously has a monopoly on our traveling needs and they were getting too comfortable). The owner of the company with the monopoly threw a little fit over not getting 100% of our business but he cooled down after a while. I never would have thought that I would participate in making business deals during my mission. The offices have brought many great unexpected experiences. 

I've liked learning about excel and honing my computer skills. Being part of the "Office Team" has also been enjoyable. We've become very good friends. I should probably look for ways to enjoy more of the work that I do. I feel very much that I am working and not so much a missionary during the day. But I don't worry about that too much. God put me here to do good and so I'm going to do it.

Our ward is pretty small, 50-60 active members. The majority of the ward is Peruvian (haha, the bishop is from Peru and wasn't too anxious to replace the flag of Argentina a month ago. (it was dirty and ripped up). We ganged up on him along with the first counselor in the bishopric and the ward Secretary to convince him to buy a new flag. Haha, we won.) They are a few core families that make up the most of the ward and a few others mixed in. The group that we work the most with is the YSA. Most of the recent converts are YSA along with our ward mission leader and the ward missionaries. President goes do a different ward; he lives 20 minutes away from us in train or car. 

I loved that talk by Elder Oaks! I read it a few times after he gave it. 

Mathias (my BYU roommate from Spokane) told me that Glaser Nat. Park is his favorite! Take lots of pictures for me!

Here's a little part of the letter that I wrote to President this week:

I am doing well. I've recently been thinking a lot about the covenants that I've made with the Lord and pondering in the promised blessings that accompany every covenant. I was taught by my dad that "the power of godliness is manifest in the ordinances." I always thought that this meant that the moments in which we perform or witness ordinances are when the power of God is shown unto us. While this is certainly true (I've felt the Spirit strongly while participating in ordinances) I understood this week that the power of God is largely made manifest as we live our covenants. I know that God remembers the promises that He has made and that He keeps His promised as we follow Him.  

Covenants are the way to receives God's blessings!

Have a great week with everyone together! I love you!

Elder Smith

1. First day with Elder Mitchell (oh yeah, Elder Mitchell is our new companion)

2. Wheat Soup

Robbin is baptized

Dear Mom, 

With Elder Stokes taking over a lot of the secretary responsibilities, I was available to help the other office elders out this week. On Friday, I drove Elder Bravo to Baradero and then to Zarate and then to Liniers and then back to San Fernando. We almost covered the entire mission in one day! (considering the fact that our mission is one of the smallest in South America). I'll send some pictures and videos of the drive. On Sunday, I went to Benavidez to work with Elder Arroyo for a day. It was good.

On Saturday, Robbin was baptized!!!!!! He was so excited and the baptismal service turned out great! I'll send a picture of his baptism. 

We had a good experience finding a new family to teach this week. We were planning on Saturday morning (our only full day in teaching being missionaries in our area) and were so excited because of the number of set appointments that we had. Nine in total! (that's a good day for us day). As we discussed how to best go about the day, we felt the impression that we should knock some doors on a street named "Ambrosoni." We did so when and the second house we "clapped" was the Muchoquintos! Their two youngest daughters answered the door (11 y 9 years old) and said that no one was home. We went ahead and taught them about the Book of Mormon, because, hey, everyone deserves to hear the gospel, even little girls. The older sister said, "meh!" but the younger sister, Mariana, said, "I'll read it!" We gave her a Book of Mormon and told them that we would come back on Sunday afternoon. Sunday afternoon, Elder Stokes and Elder Mitchell went back and taught the whole family about Joseph Smith and the First Vision! (I was in Benavidez). The whole family of five listened and willingly accepted the invitation to read the Book of Mormon!

We're going to go back on Thursday to teach more!

 1. Ana, me, Marcelo. After the activity we had last night.

 The local Catholic Cathedral. We went to visit last Monday because we've driven past it so many times and I really wanted to go inside. 

. Marcia, Elder Mitchell, Rosa, Elder Stokes, me, Katherin. The day before Rosa left to Italy

I am grateful that we listened to the little prompting to knock doors on that street. It is incredible to me to experience being led by the Lord's spirit. I know that God is constantly working to help everyone receive the gospel. 

Scripture study has been going well! I've been thinking a lot about D+C 11:21 this week: "Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men." This together with Pres. Nelson's invitation from conference in April to seek more personal revelation has made me think that I need to make it a daily pursuit. Do you have any tips of how I can do so?

I love you! Have a good week learning more from Nephi! I'll think of questions about Grandpa Garth and send them to you next week!

Love,

Elder Smith

transitions

Dear Mom,

I´ll start by answering your questions:

1. Difficult things about transitioning home: I've heard that you get back home and it seems like all of your time as a missionary was a dream. What would I expect to be challenging? First things that come to mind are talking to girls, having to worry about the future, maintaining thoughts focused on the Lord, no more Spanish, no more being with other missionaries, among other things. However, I'm not exactly sure. I'm sure I'll be able to find much to do and lots of people to be with and strengthen at home. 

2. 1 Nephi: I feel like Nephi words are so faith inspiring. I love feeling uplifted by his hopeful attitude and determination. I've found it helpful to focus on a certain topic to not get bored by the storyline that is so well known

3. Christmas: I think I'm fine for Christmas. I would love to learn more about the relationship that you had and have with Grandpa Garth. Stuff like memories, stories, characteristics that you see in yourself and your siblings, how you think of him now, etc. If I write you a few questions about it, would you be able to write up little responses? 

4. Trip: Yes, I am game. I remember when I had the option to choose between weights and a ski trip with dad and I now wish I would have chosen the ski trip. I will be available for and supportive of a siblings trip.

5. Offices, Companions, Next Transfer: Elder Stokes is doing great. He has a lot of initiative and is focused on the work, therefore, he only has smooth sailing in front of him. I'm changing assignments in two weeks from today and will likely find out where to in just under two weeks. 

6. Things Learned: Wow, that is a lot of things. I would say that the primary thing that I have learned or at least become more aware of is the need for spiritual and emotional support from the Lord. I am unable to do all that is asked of me alone, much less in a loving and peaceful way without divine help. I often feel frustration or tiredness or apathy and although I know that what we do is important, it challenges me to give everything I've got. But I have great examples: you, dad, president Smith, and many others. Lots of examples of service that help me remember to depend on the Lord and to keep moving forward. 

There are many more things that I have learned and when time permits I will tell you more about it. 

 The work is going forward like always! I feel the need to do God's work and to help my brothers and sisters here. I frequently reflect on the prayers that proceeded my mission application and call and know that now is an important time of my mission. These months are the months that God gave me here that I wouldn't have had if my decision had been left to my own plans and desires. 

I love you, Mom! I wish I could write more and ask for your advice on the day to day challenges that come up here but I know that you are praying for me and that your faith is helping me. Thank you for everything!

Love,

Elder Smith

Good week

Dear Mom, 

My new companion is great! We always call each other by "Elder" and then our last names or just Elder. Elder Stokes first name is Cameron so that would be really strange to call him that. He is a good worker and has lots of desires to baptize converts. He´s from Layton, Utah. 

I watched conference in English here in the offices (two conferences in Jose Leon Suarez, two in San Fernando). We have the whole zone here and a good chunk of the stake. Two of the people that we are teaching came to the Sunday session of conference, Robbin, and Rosa. They both enjoyed the conference and are excited to keep progressing towards baptism.  

I loved the conference! My favorite talk was Elder Rasband's. I felt the need to make the places I am places of holiness and spiritual protection. Here are the main points that I took away from the conference:

1. Personal testimony comes from personal commitment to experiment on the promises and commandments of God. 

2. Joy comes from knowingly choosing to follow God

3. Compassion should not be conditional on the cause of another's suffering.

I feel like I left conference with a number of small impressions of adjustments that I need to make that will be important. 

Haha, I did hear that D+C 121 reference. I think I understand it a little better now after hearing it used and explained in the context of that talk. 

I'm glad that you and Dad had a good time in Walla Walla! I am grateful for the energy you two dedicate to being devoted parents. I too hope that we will always have a great relationship. In a recent stake conference, I was meditating on the scriptural pattern of parents teaching their children the gospel: Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah,etc. I was especially captured by the blessings and instructions that the fathers gave to their children. I know that the advice that you and dad give us is essential and precious. Thank you so much for that. 

I love you!

Elder Smith

Normal week

Dear Mom,

I had no clue that Elder Christofferson was here. I just saw on Mormon newsroom but I had heard anything before that. Looks like he made some political visits in Buenos Aires and Salta and then went to visit missionaries and members in Chile. It's incredible how quickly the quorum of the twelve travels. 

We found a young man named Robbin this week! We were walking to a less active members house when we crossed paths with Edgar, a fairly new member in our ward, and his friend, Robbin. We were happily surprised to learn that Robbin had listened to the missionaries before (he was taught by Elder Stagg, Elder Ellis and Elder Pereyra!) and wants to learn more! He told us that he had almost gotten baptized before but didn't. Something about dropping a giant lock on his foot, not being able to walk and then moving to Equador. I'm not 100% certain on the whole story but he said that he wants to start going to church again!

Sister Rosa Meza is doing well. She's decided to move to Italy in a few weeks (did I already tell you that?) to live with her cousin. That's going to be a big change for her and her daughters. We're planning on getting her ready to be baptized there in Italy. We may even get to teach her through Skype while she's there (she speaks no Italian and the missionaries there probably don't speak Spanish). She was very excited when we told her that the Church is worldwide. I think it will be a great blessing to her to be received by the ward members in Florence.

Other updates about members here: William is going strong. He works a lot so we're only able to see him once a week and in church. Brother Vaca passed the sacrament for the first time this week! The bishop has been putting in some extra time to help him out and it's working. Brother Vaca was so happy to have made it to church earlier than us, haha. He is a great man. Marcia and Katherin received their patriarchal blessings yesterday afternoon. We haven't talked to them since so we're yet to find out how their experience was. 

So, about getting to church after Brother Vaca. He did get their early but our getting there late helped him beat us. We went walking to bring a young man to church on Sunday morning (public transportation on Sunday is almost nonexistent). The streets were completely empty: 2 miles of no one, not a single person. Just as we got within one block from Umberto's house, two drunks came walking down the street. We took a detour on a parallel street/alley, but they ran after us and threatened to smash our heads with beer bottles. We stopped and were promptly robbed of our mini-cell phones and scriptures. Oh bother. They didn't do anything else to us. After a few minutes of trying to convince them to give our stuff back (I did get my My Family booklet back), they stumbled off into a pasillo and we went to church. 

Other than that the week was pretty normal. 

Hope you have a great time in Walla Walla!

Love,

Elder Smith 

They took my personal scriptures so that was kind of sad. Fortunately, I've been keeping most of my study notes in a separate notebook. I did feel a little nervous but my overall feeling was just annoyance. It's hard not to offer resistance.

Rosa is moving to Italy for work. Her cousin lives in Florencia and has work for her. Her boyfriend isn't going with her because 1. there is nothing for him in Italy and 2. there is not much true commitment in their relationship. Rather sad but the truth. 

Brother Roberto Vaca is 28. He and his wife have two kids, 9 and 4 years old (if I remember correctly).