Greeting and Salutations,
I'm doing great. It's been a really busy week ended by 2 baptisms. A small miracle right there. I was really stressed out. It's just hard sometimes dealing with the fact that everyone down here is relaxed to a point where it doesn't faze them if we start things a half hour late. I don't think I'll ever get over that. But it's okay. The baptism went well and so did the confirmation on Sunday. We're going to keep working with both families because we've found a lot of people who are interested and listening in both homes. As for Alinson, she's still having a hard time with the idea of taking out her facial piercings and going to church. Little by little. :D
Things with my comp are going well. We laugh a lot and have good time. We're working really hard to continue strengthening the ward and find new investigators and help the ones that we have progress towards baptism. It's a lot of work but the Lord is truly blessing us in all of our efforts. For that I am thankful. We're going to keep it up for as long as the Lord wants. As for the
district, they are doing great. We all had a stupendous week and now
we're going to have a zone meeting on Tuesday which should animate them
even more. Bit excited about that.
The weather is still hot here. It rained for about 3 days but now it's just back to where it was before the storm. I hope this keeps up. We're already in may and I sometimes sometimes sometimes need a jacket at night. Perhaps. Which is totally fine by me. If it wants to stay like this until august, I'm cool with that.
Well that's about it for the week. Here's one of my favorite scritpures.
Moses 7.41
41 And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto Enoch, and told Enoch all the doings of the children of men; wherefore Enoch knew, and looked upon their wickedness, and their misery, and wept and stretched forth his arms, and his heart swelled wide as eternity; and his bowels yearned; and all eternity shook.
I don't know how eternity can shake but it did. The eternities shake for our sins. Let us live so that we may reduce the agitations of the infinite.
Elder Andy
Monday, May 6, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
Saladero Salto Uruguay - April 29th 2013
Hey everyone,
My first week in Saladero was eventful and eye opening. I learned a lot and identified things that I can do better and things that I am donig well. My comp is elder Orellana and he's from El Salvador. He's been out for less than 6 months and I'm his second companion. I'm currently over a new district and we share a ward with a set of sister missionaries. Elder Kemp and his kid are in my district, the zone leaders and the sister missionaries. A solid district. We should see a lot of success this change. We met together on Thursday and we have a meeting again tomorrow. We're going to see if we can get some district activities going on this change, like going down to the river and having a cook out and perhaps going to the zoo. I wanna have some fun out here!
This ward just needs a huge hypodermic injection of charity and patience. Too often do we judge others without considering what might be happening in their lives. Yet, we always want others to understand what's happening in our lives before judging us. More often than not, the people have a reason for acting the way we do. We have to find out the reason, love them and then help them to correct any inappropriate actions. That's the only we can learn and grow together. I just want to change the trend of this area and this ward. It's a bunch of negative vibes and it's crimpin my style home dog! Just gotta love em to pieces. Very little pieces. :D
As for my duties as district leader.....they are many. I have to set an example in the work we do in our area, I have to call and get the numbers and see how they are working in their respective areas, I have to teach district meetings, I'm in charge of getting them mission supplies. Basically, I'm their first turn to in any and all situations. I conduct baptismal interviews and approve baptismal candidates. I have to try my very very hardest to serve them in all ways possible and become more like Jesus Christ and teach them how to do so at the same time. It eats up almost any and all spare time a missionary might have and then it usually eats away your sleep time. We sacrifice a lot of time to travel to other areas for meetings and interviews and I usually get to bed around 11 on Sundays because of the call in reports. It requires a lot of time and dedication but it's super fun. This is my fourth change as a district leader and I love being able to work with my missionaries and learn lots from them and from the Lord.
We've met and taught lots and lots of people this week. We're finding on almost a daily basis. One of my favorite finds was Alinson. She's 18 years old and is a boxer. She's super spunky but has a lot of faith and really wants to seriously consider baptism. We're the second set of missionaries that she's had. The first set was nearly a year ago. Her progress is going to be slow, but I know that the gospel is what she needs in her life.
My favorite thing that happened......was.......I dunno. It's been a pretty normal week. I'm just tired a lot. But that's normal.
I try to lighten up and have a good time. I really do. I just feel like there's no need to be frivolous all of the time. This is a serious work and I take it very seriously. Anyways, I know that God will support me as I strive to become more and more humble and meek. The mission has been my crucible, burning off the impurities of my tainted soul. It's a painful but necessary part of the refining process. I'm thankful that the Lord loves me enough to help me learn and grow.
Elder Ender
My first week in Saladero was eventful and eye opening. I learned a lot and identified things that I can do better and things that I am donig well. My comp is elder Orellana and he's from El Salvador. He's been out for less than 6 months and I'm his second companion. I'm currently over a new district and we share a ward with a set of sister missionaries. Elder Kemp and his kid are in my district, the zone leaders and the sister missionaries. A solid district. We should see a lot of success this change. We met together on Thursday and we have a meeting again tomorrow. We're going to see if we can get some district activities going on this change, like going down to the river and having a cook out and perhaps going to the zoo. I wanna have some fun out here!
This ward just needs a huge hypodermic injection of charity and patience. Too often do we judge others without considering what might be happening in their lives. Yet, we always want others to understand what's happening in our lives before judging us. More often than not, the people have a reason for acting the way we do. We have to find out the reason, love them and then help them to correct any inappropriate actions. That's the only we can learn and grow together. I just want to change the trend of this area and this ward. It's a bunch of negative vibes and it's crimpin my style home dog! Just gotta love em to pieces. Very little pieces. :D
As for my duties as district leader.....they are many. I have to set an example in the work we do in our area, I have to call and get the numbers and see how they are working in their respective areas, I have to teach district meetings, I'm in charge of getting them mission supplies. Basically, I'm their first turn to in any and all situations. I conduct baptismal interviews and approve baptismal candidates. I have to try my very very hardest to serve them in all ways possible and become more like Jesus Christ and teach them how to do so at the same time. It eats up almost any and all spare time a missionary might have and then it usually eats away your sleep time. We sacrifice a lot of time to travel to other areas for meetings and interviews and I usually get to bed around 11 on Sundays because of the call in reports. It requires a lot of time and dedication but it's super fun. This is my fourth change as a district leader and I love being able to work with my missionaries and learn lots from them and from the Lord.
We've met and taught lots and lots of people this week. We're finding on almost a daily basis. One of my favorite finds was Alinson. She's 18 years old and is a boxer. She's super spunky but has a lot of faith and really wants to seriously consider baptism. We're the second set of missionaries that she's had. The first set was nearly a year ago. Her progress is going to be slow, but I know that the gospel is what she needs in her life.
My favorite thing that happened......was.......I dunno. It's been a pretty normal week. I'm just tired a lot. But that's normal.
I try to lighten up and have a good time. I really do. I just feel like there's no need to be frivolous all of the time. This is a serious work and I take it very seriously. Anyways, I know that God will support me as I strive to become more and more humble and meek. The mission has been my crucible, burning off the impurities of my tainted soul. It's a painful but necessary part of the refining process. I'm thankful that the Lord loves me enough to help me learn and grow.
Elder Ender
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Salto Uruguay - April 23th 2013
Hi All,
It's currently 3.30 here and it's about 80 degress outside. We just got done eating a sheep asado. Intestines, heart, kidney, ribs, all of it. It was really good. There were 8 elders there and a member was kind enough to cook for all of us. It was rather fun and it was a good way to spend my last pday as a missionary of colonia 18. That's right. I'm switching areas. Again. I'm going to barrio Saladero here in Salto and my comp Elder Delgado is going to train this change. I'm going back to senior companion and I'm going to be district leader again. This is my 4th change as District Leader so I'm either doing a good job or I've not yet learned the lessons that the Lord has prepared for me. I like to think it's the first option.
I spent Friday with Elder Crawford, from my MTC group, who is one of the zone leaders. Then Saturday, I spent the day with Elder Kemp, one of my favorite elders in the mission. We helped with an open house program that the church has been doing and we dressed all up in white and explained baptism for 6 hours as tour groups came through, led by a set of sister missionaries. It was really fun. Unfortunately, not a lot of people came to the tour and Elder Kemp and I mostly just talked the entire day. From the millennium to the similarities between the order of jedi knights and the knights of the round table, we talked about it all. He's a writer, and is going to Southern Virginia university when he gets home. We get along really really well. I even wrote down 2 of our best one liners so that I could tell you. Here they are, "If anyone asks, we're practicing our snow ape act" said by me and here's one from Elder Kemp "When I get home, I'm totally going to train my sister to be a dude missionary." I laughed so much and so hard with Elder Kemp all day. It was great. I really needed that day after this change. It's been one of my hardest changes yet and it has worn down on me so much...I learned once more that communication is absolutely key in all relationships. I still have a lot to learn with that.
Well, here are some great scriptures that I found this week in my studies.
Alma 36.3
3 And now, O my son Helaman, behold, thou art in thy youth, and therefore, I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words and learn of me; for I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.
And Romans 8.28
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
I know that the Lord provides a way for us to overcome all things and that the challenges that He places in our way are for our benefit and growth. I'm so thankful for all that the Lord has taught me and all that He will yet teach me until the brightness of glory in that perfect day.
I love the Lord and know that Jesus Christ lives.
Finally, I did a rather extensive study on bearing our crosses this week. I found a lot of interesting scriptures but this is the capstone. I've been thinking a lot about all the invitations that the Lord makes to us. I know that He just wants us to be happy. This scripture is the culmination of my studies.
John 19:16-17
16 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.
17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:
The Lord bore His cross. It's time to shoulder up and bear ours.
D&C 112:14
14 Now, I say unto you, and what I say unto you, I say unto all the Twelve: Arise and gird up your loins, take up your across, follow me, and bfeed my sheep.
Buckle down and shoulder it. Let's get rollin.
Elder Simpson
It's currently 3.30 here and it's about 80 degress outside. We just got done eating a sheep asado. Intestines, heart, kidney, ribs, all of it. It was really good. There were 8 elders there and a member was kind enough to cook for all of us. It was rather fun and it was a good way to spend my last pday as a missionary of colonia 18. That's right. I'm switching areas. Again. I'm going to barrio Saladero here in Salto and my comp Elder Delgado is going to train this change. I'm going back to senior companion and I'm going to be district leader again. This is my 4th change as District Leader so I'm either doing a good job or I've not yet learned the lessons that the Lord has prepared for me. I like to think it's the first option.
I spent Friday with Elder Crawford, from my MTC group, who is one of the zone leaders. Then Saturday, I spent the day with Elder Kemp, one of my favorite elders in the mission. We helped with an open house program that the church has been doing and we dressed all up in white and explained baptism for 6 hours as tour groups came through, led by a set of sister missionaries. It was really fun. Unfortunately, not a lot of people came to the tour and Elder Kemp and I mostly just talked the entire day. From the millennium to the similarities between the order of jedi knights and the knights of the round table, we talked about it all. He's a writer, and is going to Southern Virginia university when he gets home. We get along really really well. I even wrote down 2 of our best one liners so that I could tell you. Here they are, "If anyone asks, we're practicing our snow ape act" said by me and here's one from Elder Kemp "When I get home, I'm totally going to train my sister to be a dude missionary." I laughed so much and so hard with Elder Kemp all day. It was great. I really needed that day after this change. It's been one of my hardest changes yet and it has worn down on me so much...I learned once more that communication is absolutely key in all relationships. I still have a lot to learn with that.
Well, here are some great scriptures that I found this week in my studies.
Alma 36.3
3 And now, O my son Helaman, behold, thou art in thy youth, and therefore, I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words and learn of me; for I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.
And Romans 8.28
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
I know that the Lord provides a way for us to overcome all things and that the challenges that He places in our way are for our benefit and growth. I'm so thankful for all that the Lord has taught me and all that He will yet teach me until the brightness of glory in that perfect day.
I love the Lord and know that Jesus Christ lives.
Finally, I did a rather extensive study on bearing our crosses this week. I found a lot of interesting scriptures but this is the capstone. I've been thinking a lot about all the invitations that the Lord makes to us. I know that He just wants us to be happy. This scripture is the culmination of my studies.
John 19:16-17
16 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.
17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:
The Lord bore His cross. It's time to shoulder up and bear ours.
D&C 112:14
14 Now, I say unto you, and what I say unto you, I say unto all the Twelve: Arise and gird up your loins, take up your across, follow me, and bfeed my sheep.
Buckle down and shoulder it. Let's get rollin.
Elder Simpson
Monday, April 15, 2013
Salto Uruguay - April 15th 2013
Hi All,
I'm doing great. This week was.....long. But hey! This week, I really dug into the scriptures and tried to learn about patience and the things that I can do to have the Spirit in my life and teach powerfully.
The funniest moment was....when I saw a motorcycle that had no wheels and no engine sitting in someones yards. From a distance the brand of the seat looked like it said "Satan". I thought, how ironic. I took a picture and then got closer and it said safari but still. It made me laugh.
The most amazing moment was....going to sleep each day. We also rode in a nice rain storm all morning Thursday and got soaked and mud-stained like 4 times. I can't really think of any funny one liners though. I know there was a bunch on Tuesday when I went on divisions with elder Kemp. He's a writer and a total goof ball.
On a funnier note, the branch presidents 2 month old son came out sporting a cartoonized shirt of KISS. Underneath was the caption "Little kiss". I was beside myself with laughter. After I explained it, neither my comp nor the branch president nor his wife understood it.
My confidence in the Lord will carry me to the end of the world and back. He will always support me as I keep His commandments. I know that a lot of the mission has taught me a lot of self control and discipline. It should help me a lot to be able to be ready for things to come.
As far as my future I have some ideas I'm going to take it to the Lord in the temple at the end of my mission, because that's the surest place in the world where one can feel the Spirit's guidance. I know that as I follow the Spirit and will of the Lord, I will be happy, where ever I may be. I know that I will be able to protect all that I love and believe and by doing so, that my family will be protected and provided for. (Think Standard of Liberty).
As for my celestial bank account, I hope to make many a deposit before I buy the farm I've looked for and found the Southern Cross many a time because I remember when my Dad made a comment about it sometime before my mission or right at the start. Ever since then, I look for it, point it out to whoever is close, and think of him. I really have an appreciation for the heavens and the mighty and vast creations of the Lord's Hand. I pointed out Mars because it was the only planet that I could see. I also like seeing Orion. He's one of my favorite constellations. And yes. His belt is still intact, but I heard that he likes to hide secrets in it.
The fact that Grandmother has two Tongan women helping her made me chuckle. I've always loved the island folk and I can just imagine two wonderful smiling happy Tongan women helping out grandmother. Brings a smile to my face. I can honestly say that I'm so impressed by how sharp grandmother is still at 94. There are so many people here that hit like 60 or 70 years and just call it quits. They give up and have to be taken care of. In reality, it just makes me sad when I think of that and I wonder why they give up. They still have so much to live and to learn. Grandmother has been doing things the right way and I know that when it's her time, the Lord will help her home. I keep her in my prayers and it makes me so happy every time I see the photo that we took when we went to the temple with her. I know that there are so many who are awaiting her arrival on the other side. The Lord has truly blessed her in this life.
I still marvel at the fluidity of the medical procedures in the states. Here people get a number and sometimes with chronic illness and the like they have to wait for 2 or 3 months before they can go in and be helped. Going to the doctors office or the hospital is an all day affair and I've seen the doctors down here. I just don't know how I feel seeing the entire medical staff out on a smoking break.....Come on.
This week was full of challenges. I'm a slow learner I know. A lot of it just has to do with patience and love. Singing hymns helps a lot. So does prayer. I think that I've drawn near unto the Lord in this change and that He has truly brought me through hell and high water. I trust so much in His power and in the instruction of His wisdom through the Holy Ghost. Sometimes, I cannot see the way before. But I know that He will guide me through. I hope that I can continue to apply the lessons that I've learned for the rest of my life.
This scripture comes from 1 John 5:3-5.
I've been studying a LOT about love this last change and I really liked this passage.
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
The Lord will never require too much of us. As we believe in Christ, we overcome the world and we learn the way to truly love others. That's what the world needs.
Elder Simpson
I'm doing great. This week was.....long. But hey! This week, I really dug into the scriptures and tried to learn about patience and the things that I can do to have the Spirit in my life and teach powerfully.
The funniest moment was....when I saw a motorcycle that had no wheels and no engine sitting in someones yards. From a distance the brand of the seat looked like it said "Satan". I thought, how ironic. I took a picture and then got closer and it said safari but still. It made me laugh.
The most amazing moment was....going to sleep each day. We also rode in a nice rain storm all morning Thursday and got soaked and mud-stained like 4 times. I can't really think of any funny one liners though. I know there was a bunch on Tuesday when I went on divisions with elder Kemp. He's a writer and a total goof ball.
On a funnier note, the branch presidents 2 month old son came out sporting a cartoonized shirt of KISS. Underneath was the caption "Little kiss". I was beside myself with laughter. After I explained it, neither my comp nor the branch president nor his wife understood it.
My confidence in the Lord will carry me to the end of the world and back. He will always support me as I keep His commandments. I know that a lot of the mission has taught me a lot of self control and discipline. It should help me a lot to be able to be ready for things to come.
As far as my future I have some ideas I'm going to take it to the Lord in the temple at the end of my mission, because that's the surest place in the world where one can feel the Spirit's guidance. I know that as I follow the Spirit and will of the Lord, I will be happy, where ever I may be. I know that I will be able to protect all that I love and believe and by doing so, that my family will be protected and provided for. (Think Standard of Liberty).
As for my celestial bank account, I hope to make many a deposit before I buy the farm I've looked for and found the Southern Cross many a time because I remember when my Dad made a comment about it sometime before my mission or right at the start. Ever since then, I look for it, point it out to whoever is close, and think of him. I really have an appreciation for the heavens and the mighty and vast creations of the Lord's Hand. I pointed out Mars because it was the only planet that I could see. I also like seeing Orion. He's one of my favorite constellations. And yes. His belt is still intact, but I heard that he likes to hide secrets in it.
The fact that Grandmother has two Tongan women helping her made me chuckle. I've always loved the island folk and I can just imagine two wonderful smiling happy Tongan women helping out grandmother. Brings a smile to my face. I can honestly say that I'm so impressed by how sharp grandmother is still at 94. There are so many people here that hit like 60 or 70 years and just call it quits. They give up and have to be taken care of. In reality, it just makes me sad when I think of that and I wonder why they give up. They still have so much to live and to learn. Grandmother has been doing things the right way and I know that when it's her time, the Lord will help her home. I keep her in my prayers and it makes me so happy every time I see the photo that we took when we went to the temple with her. I know that there are so many who are awaiting her arrival on the other side. The Lord has truly blessed her in this life.
I still marvel at the fluidity of the medical procedures in the states. Here people get a number and sometimes with chronic illness and the like they have to wait for 2 or 3 months before they can go in and be helped. Going to the doctors office or the hospital is an all day affair and I've seen the doctors down here. I just don't know how I feel seeing the entire medical staff out on a smoking break.....Come on.
This week was full of challenges. I'm a slow learner I know. A lot of it just has to do with patience and love. Singing hymns helps a lot. So does prayer. I think that I've drawn near unto the Lord in this change and that He has truly brought me through hell and high water. I trust so much in His power and in the instruction of His wisdom through the Holy Ghost. Sometimes, I cannot see the way before. But I know that He will guide me through. I hope that I can continue to apply the lessons that I've learned for the rest of my life.
This scripture comes from 1 John 5:3-5.
I've been studying a LOT about love this last change and I really liked this passage.
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
The Lord will never require too much of us. As we believe in Christ, we overcome the world and we learn the way to truly love others. That's what the world needs.
Elder Simpson
Monday, April 8, 2013
Salto Uruguay - April 8th 2013
Hi All,
I got to hear all of the sessions of General Conference in English this time which was great. I really needed it and the Lord answered all of my questions. More like confirmed one of my questions that He'd already answered, but still. He answered the rest. Conference was great! I heard a lot of needed counsel and I'm thankful for the words of the Lord's servants that He called and still guides.
I only fell asleep once in conference and took like 10 pages of notes. Being a missionary really changes your perspective on conference! The weekend passed by so quickly. I can't believe it's over. That was my last conference as a full time missionary. Insane. Good thing I learned a lot.
The highlight of my week was conference. We stayed in the Zone Leaders house which was great because I love both of them. We also went out and knocked doors between the Saturday sessions. I was with Elder Strong. The Spirit guided us and we found a house where someone was playing drums. I got to play. :D
One of the funniest things that happened this week, is that a sister during the conference thought I was 35 years old. I laughed. Hard. Apparently I look a lot older now. That's cool I guess.
I showed my comp where mars is is in the night sky. We can see the stars really well out here at night and I love seeing Orion and The Southern Cross. I was looking at the milky way and I considered the fact that God knows the names of all of the stars in the night sky. Even more, He knows my name and my needs in the exact moment I need them. I was a bit floored by that awesome moment. The Lord truly knows who we are. How wonderful.
Elder Simpson
I got to hear all of the sessions of General Conference in English this time which was great. I really needed it and the Lord answered all of my questions. More like confirmed one of my questions that He'd already answered, but still. He answered the rest. Conference was great! I heard a lot of needed counsel and I'm thankful for the words of the Lord's servants that He called and still guides.
I only fell asleep once in conference and took like 10 pages of notes. Being a missionary really changes your perspective on conference! The weekend passed by so quickly. I can't believe it's over. That was my last conference as a full time missionary. Insane. Good thing I learned a lot.
The highlight of my week was conference. We stayed in the Zone Leaders house which was great because I love both of them. We also went out and knocked doors between the Saturday sessions. I was with Elder Strong. The Spirit guided us and we found a house where someone was playing drums. I got to play. :D
One of the funniest things that happened this week, is that a sister during the conference thought I was 35 years old. I laughed. Hard. Apparently I look a lot older now. That's cool I guess.
I showed my comp where mars is is in the night sky. We can see the stars really well out here at night and I love seeing Orion and The Southern Cross. I was looking at the milky way and I considered the fact that God knows the names of all of the stars in the night sky. Even more, He knows my name and my needs in the exact moment I need them. I was a bit floored by that awesome moment. The Lord truly knows who we are. How wonderful.
Elder Simpson
Monday, April 1, 2013
Salto Uruguay - April 1st 2013
Hi All,
The area is a great area. There is so much potential and the people are so friendly. I feel like there is so much more we could be doing. As for wildlife, there are more than a couple of dogs in the area that aren't too fond of us. Other than that, we don't see too much. I've spotted hawks a couple of times and that's pretty fun. My favorite thing about the area is being out in the middle of nowhere at about 830 or 9 because you can see so many stars. It's like Tranqueras. The milky way shows up in some areas and I can see the southern cross and Orion almost every night. I like to talk to the stars. I usually offer a few mental prayers too.
The weather here has been hot since last monday, with each day being more humid than the last. Today, it's finally cloudly and overcast and it's been trying to rain for a while now. We'll see what happens here in the next few hours.
Speaking of that pday....my bike tire popped. 3 times. The original popped but we stopped at a farm house and changed it out. I got on the bike, and that one popped too. So then we walked like 3k to the closest colony and stopped by a back yard bike mechanic and he patched it for me. And it got me home and then we got on the bikes to go work and it popped again. I was SO frustrated. Anyways, the neighbor lent us his bike and I was able to replace the inner tube with one we've had in the house and thus far, it's held up. Luckily. Anyways, most of the week has been like that, just little things that will drive you nutty if you let them. I've been praying A LOT this week for help. It's just so frustrating. But, I keep going. There's nothing more that I can do.
Things are like a rollercoster. Ups and downs and twists and turns and at the end of each day you're sick and tired of the insanity. :D I feel like that's an appropriate description of this week. Our teaching has been like a buck shot round. Scattered and random. I try to seek opportunities to serve and to support my companion. It's a struggle, but it's in the struggles that we learn the most.
We did service on Saturday.......I swear to you his parents used their back yard as a dump. There was anything from food waste to rusted out bikes to armadillo shells to mice and frogs. It was repugnant. I had a hard time with a lot of it. The entire time I wondered how people can be okay with things like that in their back yard. It made me so thankful for the states and the conditions that we live in.
. It would be super cool if I could get this into a cake http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dulce_de_membrillo because I freakin love that stuff. It's better than dulce de leche which is what all of the north americans apparently go nuts over. I love dulce de membrillo in cakes. It makes me so happy inside. I ate some last night. It was great.
Other than that, it worked out perfectly that during this Easter week, I was reading of the last week of Christ's life, His Death and Resurrection in Jesus the Christ. I know that on multiple occasions I paused to ponder the gravity of the reality of the resurrection. I know that Christ lives. He loves each and every one of His children and He died so that each of us may live once again. I know that is true.
On that note, a scripture that I've been studying recently and that I will continue to study is Helaman 3:35. There's a lot to be found and learned here.
35 Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.
Have a great week.
Elder Andy
The area is a great area. There is so much potential and the people are so friendly. I feel like there is so much more we could be doing. As for wildlife, there are more than a couple of dogs in the area that aren't too fond of us. Other than that, we don't see too much. I've spotted hawks a couple of times and that's pretty fun. My favorite thing about the area is being out in the middle of nowhere at about 830 or 9 because you can see so many stars. It's like Tranqueras. The milky way shows up in some areas and I can see the southern cross and Orion almost every night. I like to talk to the stars. I usually offer a few mental prayers too.
The weather here has been hot since last monday, with each day being more humid than the last. Today, it's finally cloudly and overcast and it's been trying to rain for a while now. We'll see what happens here in the next few hours.
Speaking of that pday....my bike tire popped. 3 times. The original popped but we stopped at a farm house and changed it out. I got on the bike, and that one popped too. So then we walked like 3k to the closest colony and stopped by a back yard bike mechanic and he patched it for me. And it got me home and then we got on the bikes to go work and it popped again. I was SO frustrated. Anyways, the neighbor lent us his bike and I was able to replace the inner tube with one we've had in the house and thus far, it's held up. Luckily. Anyways, most of the week has been like that, just little things that will drive you nutty if you let them. I've been praying A LOT this week for help. It's just so frustrating. But, I keep going. There's nothing more that I can do.
Things are like a rollercoster. Ups and downs and twists and turns and at the end of each day you're sick and tired of the insanity. :D I feel like that's an appropriate description of this week. Our teaching has been like a buck shot round. Scattered and random. I try to seek opportunities to serve and to support my companion. It's a struggle, but it's in the struggles that we learn the most.
We did service on Saturday.......I swear to you his parents used their back yard as a dump. There was anything from food waste to rusted out bikes to armadillo shells to mice and frogs. It was repugnant. I had a hard time with a lot of it. The entire time I wondered how people can be okay with things like that in their back yard. It made me so thankful for the states and the conditions that we live in.
. It would be super cool if I could get this into a cake http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dulce_de_membrillo because I freakin love that stuff. It's better than dulce de leche which is what all of the north americans apparently go nuts over. I love dulce de membrillo in cakes. It makes me so happy inside. I ate some last night. It was great.
This is a photo that a professional photographer took of my Zone Leaders here in Salto. It got put up on FaceBook, snagged by a member, sent to Elder Crawfords family who then sent it to him who sent it to me. Cool huh? Anyways, Elder Crawford is the taller one and E'Nuffer is the other one. They're both studs. I thought you guys would like seeing it.
It looks like we're getting to the wind down on my mission. I never thought this would come.... it always seemed so far away. But here it is, and there's no escaping it. 4 months left in the service of the Lord. There's still time to do so much good here.
Other than that, it worked out perfectly that during this Easter week, I was reading of the last week of Christ's life, His Death and Resurrection in Jesus the Christ. I know that on multiple occasions I paused to ponder the gravity of the reality of the resurrection. I know that Christ lives. He loves each and every one of His children and He died so that each of us may live once again. I know that is true.
On that note, a scripture that I've been studying recently and that I will continue to study is Helaman 3:35. There's a lot to be found and learned here.
35 Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.
Have a great week.
Elder Andy
Monday, March 25, 2013
Salto Uruguay - March 25th 2013
Hey All,
Things are great here. It's currently 80 degrees outside. It's been like that since I got here. I hope it keeps it up for a long while. The baptism on Saturday went great! They are such a prepared family and the Lord has truly prepared their way to be able to come and partake of the gospel of Christ and have it in their lives as a family. They were so so happy Saturday and Sunday. On Wednesday they are going to the temple with the branch. Even though they can't go in they are still super excited to be able to go which is rather impressive. The Lord is really going to bless them for so actively seeking after Him.
Things with my comp are good. Last night we were taking a short cut on a dirt road in the middle of no where and I started to feel just awful inside. Rather unsure about our way and I honestly felt scared. It didn't help that it was getting dark too. So I mentioned it to my comp and he said we should keep going so we did. Then he started to sing Let the Holy Spirit Guide. He's really not that great of a singer at all. But. It helped me so much. I am so grateful that my companion was willing to invite the spirit with a hymn. Nothing happened to us. We got to where we needed to be safely. But I know that in that moment, I felt a little bit more of the Saviors love for my companion. If we had turned back, perhaps I never would have been able to learn to love my companion a little bit more.
Luis and Anna have pretty much disappeared....that happens a lot in this country. Their baby was born and is fine but they didn't come to church on Sunday. We'll see this week what we can do for them.
I went on divisions with Elder Nuffer on Wednesday and Thursday. He's an elder that I was in the MTC with and he's my zone leader out here. I've always really respected him. Turns out we get along great and we had a blast. So while i was there, there was a rat in their house. And it kept us up all night long. Not kidding. It got trapped in the bathroom but every time we got up to go try and trap it, it would go hide. It doesn't help that Elder Nuffer is also very very afraid of rats. Which is kinda funny if you see him. He's like 5' 10'' and weighs probably 200 pounds of sheer muscle. He's HUGE.
Yesterday a member of the high council spoke in sacrament meeting. One thing that he said really stuck with me and I thought I should share it with you. Service is the way we grow as people. And it's true. When we serve, we learn so much more about who we are and how to love others. The Lord, when He was distraught about the death of a dear friend, went and served others. And then something that the stake president said that I really enjoyed was that in this life it's not why did this happen to me? It's for what did this happen to me? How can I learn and benefit and grow from what is happening or has happened? Like I've said before, the Atonement allows us to change. Let us take advantage of every chance we have to grow.
I've been focusing a lot on teaching about the atonement and gaining a testimony of it's power. That was one thing that I noticed about Elder Nuffer when we were on divisions. He spoke of and testified of the atonement in every single visit we did. When I told him I'd never seen an elder do that before he looked at me and said, "We'll that's why we're here isn't it? To teach and testify of the atonement." And that really is why I'm here. Everything we teach about, the restoration, the gospel of Jesus Christ, the plan of salvation, the commandments all of it, is thanks to the atonement. All of it. We're here to show others how to apply the atonement in their lives and live happily as a result. I know that's why we can live as a family forever. The Atonement is so earth shakingly vital and we treat it with almost a trite simplicity far too much. It is EVERYTHING! I know that Christ lives. I know that He suffered it all so that we can change who we are to become more like Him, and thusly, become happy. HE is the reason for this life. Wouldn't it make sense that we all live a little more for Him...
Well, I think that's about all for now.
Beware of the Jabberwock!
Have a stupendous week
Elder Andy
Elder Andy
Things are great here. It's currently 80 degrees outside. It's been like that since I got here. I hope it keeps it up for a long while. The baptism on Saturday went great! They are such a prepared family and the Lord has truly prepared their way to be able to come and partake of the gospel of Christ and have it in their lives as a family. They were so so happy Saturday and Sunday. On Wednesday they are going to the temple with the branch. Even though they can't go in they are still super excited to be able to go which is rather impressive. The Lord is really going to bless them for so actively seeking after Him.
Things with my comp are good. Last night we were taking a short cut on a dirt road in the middle of no where and I started to feel just awful inside. Rather unsure about our way and I honestly felt scared. It didn't help that it was getting dark too. So I mentioned it to my comp and he said we should keep going so we did. Then he started to sing Let the Holy Spirit Guide. He's really not that great of a singer at all. But. It helped me so much. I am so grateful that my companion was willing to invite the spirit with a hymn. Nothing happened to us. We got to where we needed to be safely. But I know that in that moment, I felt a little bit more of the Saviors love for my companion. If we had turned back, perhaps I never would have been able to learn to love my companion a little bit more.
Luis and Anna have pretty much disappeared....that happens a lot in this country. Their baby was born and is fine but they didn't come to church on Sunday. We'll see this week what we can do for them.
I went on divisions with Elder Nuffer on Wednesday and Thursday. He's an elder that I was in the MTC with and he's my zone leader out here. I've always really respected him. Turns out we get along great and we had a blast. So while i was there, there was a rat in their house. And it kept us up all night long. Not kidding. It got trapped in the bathroom but every time we got up to go try and trap it, it would go hide. It doesn't help that Elder Nuffer is also very very afraid of rats. Which is kinda funny if you see him. He's like 5' 10'' and weighs probably 200 pounds of sheer muscle. He's HUGE.
Yesterday a member of the high council spoke in sacrament meeting. One thing that he said really stuck with me and I thought I should share it with you. Service is the way we grow as people. And it's true. When we serve, we learn so much more about who we are and how to love others. The Lord, when He was distraught about the death of a dear friend, went and served others. And then something that the stake president said that I really enjoyed was that in this life it's not why did this happen to me? It's for what did this happen to me? How can I learn and benefit and grow from what is happening or has happened? Like I've said before, the Atonement allows us to change. Let us take advantage of every chance we have to grow.
I've been focusing a lot on teaching about the atonement and gaining a testimony of it's power. That was one thing that I noticed about Elder Nuffer when we were on divisions. He spoke of and testified of the atonement in every single visit we did. When I told him I'd never seen an elder do that before he looked at me and said, "We'll that's why we're here isn't it? To teach and testify of the atonement." And that really is why I'm here. Everything we teach about, the restoration, the gospel of Jesus Christ, the plan of salvation, the commandments all of it, is thanks to the atonement. All of it. We're here to show others how to apply the atonement in their lives and live happily as a result. I know that's why we can live as a family forever. The Atonement is so earth shakingly vital and we treat it with almost a trite simplicity far too much. It is EVERYTHING! I know that Christ lives. I know that He suffered it all so that we can change who we are to become more like Him, and thusly, become happy. HE is the reason for this life. Wouldn't it make sense that we all live a little more for Him...
Well, I think that's about all for now.
Beware of the Jabberwock!
Have a stupendous week
Elder Andy
Elder Andy
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