Visit from Elder Gong

Hi Mom,

This Friday, we received a visit from Elder Gerrit W Gong!!!!!!!! He came to Ramos Mejia (the Buenos Aires West mission) and spoke to us about the Doctrine of Christ. He explained the simplicity of the doctrine and invited us to study more deeply the words of Nephi found in 2 Nephi 31. After talking to us, he has us gather into groups (our districts) and came and shook each one of our hands. When he talked to me, I was impressed by the encouraging spirit that he had. It seems like he just glows goodness and kindness! Sometimes I think that God looks at my mission and sees all of my imperfections and things that I don't do. However, after meeting with Elder Gong, I feel like I understand better how the Lord looks at me.

This week was really good in our area! We were able to see real progress in a few of the people that we are teaching. Rodrigo finally read the book of Mormon and prayed about it! We've been inviting him to do so for the past 3 weeks and this week he did it! And surprise, surprise, he felt the Spirit when he prayed! He didn't completely recognize what the spirit feels like and we helped him understand that all good things come from God. 

That's interesting that the missionaries won't be eating dinner with the members anymore. Will they just not eat dinner (like us)? The ward gives us lots of food here in Suarez! there is a good number of active families (our weekly attendance is about 100 people). We eat lunch with the members almost every day, so, yes, it is different than the offices. I would say it's a step up in healthiness. 

I bet that having Dad gone pretty frequently does ware a little. I don't ever feel weary of being a missionary. But tired and ready to sleep? Yes. Every day, haha. But that's how things go. How's dad going with Tithing settlement? Does he miss lots of meals?

The Holidays in Buenos Aires are fairly low-key. On Christmas and New Years, there are a lot of fireworks. I think the majority of people get together with their families and celebrate with them. 

I'm on my last bottle of Neutrogena. We will shortly be buying more :)

I recently read the book of Mosiah and it is my favorite! I love the teachings and prophesies of Abinadi. What most impressed me from his teachings is how clearly he explains our need for Christ and our need for the commandments (see Mosiah 16:4-5). 

Wish I could write more! I love you, Mom!

Have a great Thanksgiving! Say hi to everyone for me!

Love,

Elder Smith

Back in Saurez

Dear Mom and Family,

You will not believe the call that I got on Monday night. 

Elder Stokes and I were finishing up a lesson in the San Fernando chapel and my phone rang. It was Presidente Smith... Cutting straight to the chase like President always does, he told me, "Elder Smith! We've made a change to your transfers. You will be returning to Jose Leon Suarez with Elder Dominguez to open a new zone!!! Are you excited?" I was pretty surprised but accepted the assignment (I had been assigned to a different area just four days earlier and was expecting to go there, come Tuesday). 

First day with Elder Domínguez

So, yep, I'm back in Suarez!

This week has been fun seeing everyone again, seeing all of the progress that they've made. On Saturday night, I got to go on visits with Hermano Ruben Peña, a member who got baptized when I was here with Elder Ryan. I've also got to reconnect with the Maza family, the Romero family, the Seco family, the Baez family, and many many others. It feels like home away from home. 

The hardest day of my week was Tuesday. I felt so sad to leave the families that I love in San Fernando and at the same time so anxious to be reunited with those that I love in Suarez. Thinking straight was challenging until we got out into our area and started working. 

Early in the week, we met a young man from Paraguay named Rodrigo. The family Baez introduced us to him and we started teaching him about the Book of Mormon. He's very open to learning about God and accepted a baptismal date for the 17th of November. 

We're excited to have lots of success here. The members of the church here are the best! 

I was reading this week in 2 Nephi and loved this prophecy:

"And behold, according to the words of the prophet, the Messiah will set himself again the second time to recover [the people of the Lord]; wherefore, he will manifest himself unto them in power and great glory..." (2 Nephi 6:14). 

The Book of Mormon has so many promises for our days! I pray that I can be worthy to see the fulfillment of these great promises. 

I love you all! Thank you for all your prayers and support!

Un abrazo gigante, 

Elder Smith