¡Hola familia! And happy new year!!
This was a great week. New year was
definitely more low key than usual, we didn´t have a dinner appt so we searched
high and low to find non-acoholic apple cider (or any kind of fancy drink)
because that was my one request. It was delicious. If I thought the fireworks
were loud christmas eve, they were nothing compared to new years eve! It was
crazy loud and we may have peaked outside for a bit to watch all of them
exploding overhead. It was a really neat moment - just to realize that I was in
Argentina, the tiny little town of Carmen de Patagones, celebrating the end of
a year and the beginning of a new one. As a missionary!! It´ll be something I
remember forever.
Our cute old lady investigator,
Elena, is still doing really well. We went over to her house the other day to
help her make empanadas. She is so cute and willing to learn! We love her.
(even though I pretty much don´t understand 80% of what she says)
We found Graciela this week, who is a
really interesting older lady who loves to talk (but then again, who doesn´t
love to talk here?) and we had a good lesson. The best part though was when she
gave us two steaming hot cups of tea. My companion had thought she was talking
about an herbal kind when she asked... so there we were, trying to figure out
how to not break the word of wisdom. Our opportunity came when she left the
room for a minute to help her little granddaughter. My companion goes,
"hurry! Give me your cup!" and she dumps the contents of the cups in
the sink. When she came back in we were sitting there calmly pretending to sip
tea from the cups. I nearly died laughing when my companion "finished
off" her cup and set it back down.
Friday was my one month in Argentina
mark! I can hardly believe it. Yet I am definitely feeling more comfortable
with the way things work and the language. We taught a Noche de Hogar (family
home evening) at the church, all investigators/members are invited and the
missionaries teach a lesson. I struggled a bit but when all else fails I just
bear my testimony!
We got a new elder in our branch this
week, and he´s a gringo too! So I don´t feel so alone in my language
struggles.
It´s been so great. We have ups and
downs, but the Lord always sends tender mercies. I especially love my personal
study time - I always learn so much from the scriptures. This week I was
reading my "lema" or motto, a scripture in D&C that I have loved
throughout my mission. And I want to share it with you! (sorry if I missed a
word, quoted from memory)
"Therefore, dearly beloved
brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power, then may we
stand still with the utmost assurance to see the salvation of God and for His
arm to be revealed."
This is the Lord´s work! All He asks
is that we do our best, and remember to find cheer and joy in the journey. He
loves each one of us!!
Hermana Nelson
PERSONAL NOTES
*Can I ask a favor of you all? I am
in sad need of hard copy photos. Of everyone!! Old or new. So if you could send
me some I would love it!!!
Dad- love the pictures!!! those
decorations are the best thing. I also really loved your resolution about not
stressing. I think I´ll do that too. :) Sounds like a wonderful holiday time
you guys had, and everyone is so beautiful! Now what trips are coming up for
you?
Mom - perfect grades??? Wow! I am so
impressed. Not that I´m surprised though. Thank you for your spanish too, also
impressive. ;) There are some other blondes, people descended from germany, but
not many. And keep me updated on info helping my comp with byu!! She is so
grateful.
Matt&Angelica - I love your
missionary resolutions angelica!! You are gonna see miracles and wonderful
things. THere is nothing like the joy that comes from sharing your testimony.
Also, Skye is the most spoiled little girl ever!! haha.
Paige&Jared - Keke especially
looks so huge!!! I love it. How is the apt job going? Whats the weather like
there right now? One year ago exactly I was living with you guys!!!
Jake - Thanks for the awesome email! I am so glad you had
a great christmas. You are the best little brother ever (except not so little
anymore!!) and are learning and growing so much. Dont forget to read your
scriptures and pray every day!!! Love you!
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