Another week in Argentina, another week in paraíso!!! This country, it´s people and culture, everything is so awesome and unique, and I wake up everyday looking forward to walking the streets of San Cristóbal and helping as many people as I can come a little closer to our Savior.
On Monday we had a Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) dinner with Hermana Gloria, aka "Abuela Argentina"! She is like the branch grandma, especially to us missionaries. She is always cooking and spreading good vibes in the branch, and is always fun to talk to her (even if she can only hear about 20% of what I say LOL). The dinner was great! Lamb, cool tomatoes filled with meat paste and mayo, turrón (frosted nut candy thing) for dessert, it was delicious! The only problem was that we didn´t eat until nearly 10:00 at night! That is how the culture is here, dinner is super late. We got back a *little* bit later than usual, but we were able to hear the midnight Christmas fireworks!! Felt like the 4th of July, summertime fireworks and all LOL.
We also had divisiones with our zone leaders, Élder Solomon and Élder Shaw. They are missionaries in a town 2 hours away called Rafaela, and they help missionaries as leaders acheive goals, improve the work, and more. They came into town and we swiched companions for the day and did 2 days of work in one! We had lots of lessons, contacts, and fun! We met our goals and even exceeded them for that day! It felt great to see our progress improve over the past few weeks.
Weather wise, it has been pretty hot most days. But a couple of times a week, a thunderstorm rolls in & cools everything off, just like in Kansas summers! It is tough at times to work in this weather, but I know that Heavenly Father is always looking out for me and His missionaries. I also have Grido ice cream and milanesa (baked chicken, kind of like parmesean chicken it is sooooo goood!) to get me through the heat waves haha.
We have also had a lot of great lessons with our investigators and less active members. I am getting better and better at listening and teaching in español (or castellano as they call it here lol) and I am having fun sitting out on the porches, eating pan dulce or budín (sweet bread desert) and getting to know God´s children in this part of the world. However, the biggest obstacle we have is that no one wants to come to church! It is tough because there are so many blessings that come from attending church on Sundays, but when people do not come, they starve themselves spiritually :( Oh well, I think the new schedule change starting next week will improve our attendence. Also, I have been made a branch counselor along with my compañero Élder Marcos! I also helped ordain a young man named Xuan (pronounced like Swan) to the Melchezidek Priesthood and gave a blessing to a member as well! It is so amazing to use the Holy Priesthood to help people!!
On Christmas I had the opportunity to facetime my dad and talk to him! It was so great to see him and catch him up on all the experiences I have had as a missionary. While I was telling him about some of the things I have been struggling and facing as a missionary, he told me "You don´t have to be perfect, you just have to try your best". I have been thinking of that everyday, and it is true! That is all the Savior asks me as a missioanry and for all of us in our lives; to try our best, and lean on Him and use the Atonement to get better and better each day. I know that this is possible for all of us, and it has helped me feel better and more confident in my abilities as a servant of the Lord.
Everyone, keep working hard and trusting in the Lord, and I promise you that 2019 will be your best year yet! I know that it is tough at times, but that is why we have the Savior, someone who loves us and will help us 24/7/365. I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH! I read all your emails, even if I don´t always respond. It means so much to see a little something from my friends and family. Keep being awesome, read your scriptures, and love yourself!
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