Jarrett Weekly 5.18.2014

Not a lot went down this week to be honest just the normal missionary life, besides that fact that it was pouring raining really hard this week which wasn't too much fun to dendo in. 

We had a priesthood activity and we went bowling and  three of our investigators came which was way cool that was way fun, and then we had two of them came to sports night and played basketball with us. 

We also met with our investigator M. K. twice this week. We taught him all of lesson two and he understood all of it, which was really cool. And then today after he came to church today we taught him some of the commandments. We taught him about the word of wisdom and we totally freaked out which was really weird. He said he couldn't stop drinking coffee or tea; but like alcohol and smoking is not a problem (in japan a lot of people have a problem with alcohol and stuff like that). So that is that, and just he really had a hard time trying to process that, and he got really depressed for some reason. We emailed him tonight saying thank you and haven't heard anything back from him, which sucks. But then I just barely over heard my companion say that he probably wants to drop him. I am just sitting here writing this and thinking are you FREAKIN SERIOUS, you are giving up on someone that fast!! Sorry for the language but it is freakin true you can't just give up on someone that fast!! 

We also were able to play basketball again this week and we met a lot of Chinese people and just really wanting build relationships and then try and push the message. I love basketball dendo!

Well that is all that went down I love you guys! It was so nice hearing from you guys last week! 

Love, Elder N

Week 3 in ARG- Elder Gillett 5.11.14

I just read Bambi´s email to me.... Holy Cow! Thats the craziest thing that happened all week! Perfect with the Skype thing! I am excited for talking to you guys tonight too! :) Love you all! And holy crap! I just read Bree´s email for this week as well! Sounds like tons of stuff happened outside of Argentina and nothing much happened with me here!

Thanks for the email mom! It was really good and its funny that is where I am in the Book of Mormon right now too! I read that this week! Thats so crazy for Andrew and Shelby! Time goes by fast! Both Brad and Bree having major changes like that was crazy to hear because this week felt pretty normal! I am so excited for Brad! That is seriously the coolest thing to hear and he will have a lot more fun and an easier time learning Spanish! And we will be able to use it more! But thats sad about Bree too! I´m sure she is really bummed to have to end her mission but it sounds like she had some life changing experiences this week! Which is awesome for her! The Lord only needed her to serve for a couple months it sounds like! 

So this week honestly really nothing happened! We kept working and its been raining a lot here but we haven´t had much success with anything! Our investigators never answered the door or anything but We did get one new investigator named Joel who was an old investigator! His wife was baptized in the church and then they moved in together a few years later and she has been inactive ever since but the lesson went really good with them! This week we focused on all the menos activo(inactive) members! and it was really good because we got a lot of them to come back but it seems like everybody here is sick right now! Including me, my comp, and now the two other elders we are living with are starting to get it! uh oh! But I was the first to get it and it only lasted about 3 days so I am pretty much all better now! Just a really week flu virus or something! But yeah anyways we got a lot of the menos activo miembros back to church but there is still a lot more work we can do to get everyone coming weekly! There is still tons of families here who are super close to getting baptized but first they have to be married and it is not common to be married here in Argentina! So people have a hard time getting up and doing it which doesn´t help because then the people don´t have covenants that they can follow to help lead them to God! So we are still trying to figure out a way to motivate people to be married and support their families!  

Went and bought a ton of food today so I am excited to have food again because it always gets to the end of the week and we don´t have a ton to eat sometimes! but its all good! PS I got your letter you sent on the 21st of March i think is when it was! I got it about last week on tuesday so it doesn´t take too long to get here it seems like! Probably 4 or 5 weeks! And here in a bit we might go get a haircut and then play soccer and basketball at the church! The new Elder Martinez we are living with now reminds me of Colton a ton! Acts exactly like him but he plays basketball and is from El Salvador! Super cool Elder! He only has 3 or 4 months left on the mission and he is a super good example so its been nice to be living with him! 

Todo bien conmigo ahora! (all good with me right now) only my nose is a little stuffy sometimes but feel completely fine! I wore the Suit rain coat that I have and that works really well but I will be looking around for a cheap jacket that I can buy for the rain that is a little smaller cuz that jacket is huge and I don´t like ponchos! Cuz i look like a goober! haha There is lots of stores that are kinda like market style but there is a bunch that are like kohlers or something but tons smaller! No walmarts or anything close! At least in this part! I talked to Elder Martinez though and he has a ton of jerseys of soccer and basketball from here and he is going to try and help me get some like them because they are the fake ones and are super cheap! Only like 200 pesos! I didn´t bring my camera with me today since it has been raining really hard but next week I will bag the camera and bring it so its doesn´t get wet! Elder James Bavela from California! Pretty cool kid too! We get along pretty well! Don´t know a ton about him but I don´t recognize him from the MTC!

So we went to a inactive members house yesterday and we watched the BOCA juniors game yesterday which is the favorite team in Argentina! Then I talked to their dad about the NFL and everything! We didn´t have a ton of time but he is also an investgator of the chruch that they haven´t visited in a long time but we are going back on thursday to talk to him more! :) so that is exciting! Now hopefully we can find somebody in the ward to click with him so he feels welcomed to the ward! There is another husband as well of a member who is really active! and he owns a car shop and a bunch of motorcycles! We had lunch with him the other week and he had never wanted to have lunch until I came here and I hadn´t even met him yet but we had lunch with him and so I tried to talk to him about motorcycles and stuff to be his friend so we will probably visit him again this week if he will take discussions or talk to us! 

No DI that i know of but everything is usually pretty cheap here! I´ll probably give all my shirts and stuff away when I leave and only come home with jerseys and soccer balls and stuff! :)  Yeah we probably won´t be able to go in the streets (World Cup) if Argentina wins because of the parties! But we might go and visit some members and "teach" them during the games if you know what I mean! hahaha Thats crazy! RSL is doing amazing!
(Photo album of family, quads, riding, Razor, Sand Dunes, Mtns. etc.) I have been carrying them around and everything so it has been awesome because all the members think we are a cute family and everything! And they all say that I look like Ronaldo in my soccer pictures with my hair in the feuhawk! hahaha

I need to go! We are going to play soccer and stuff right now so i will talk to you more tonight! Love you! 

Les Quiero, Elder Gillett 

Jarrett Weekly Letter 5.11.2014

Well just to start off it was a pretty freakin good week so yeah, here are somethings that went down.

So probably one of my most favorite experiences happened this week. We meet this guy last week and we talked to him and he told us that there was a basketball court close by and he goes and plays all the time. This last week we went to the basketball court, but he wasn't there. Don't worry there was other people there and I asked if we could play with them and they were like yeah! We played and then afterward a lot of them were like who are you guys and what do you guys do! It was so perfect! The most perfect dendo style you could ever ask for, well for me at least. I was talking to a guy from the U.S. who lives in "Philly" and then my companion was talking to a guy from Sapporo. I taught the guy from the U.S. a lesson about God and all that and he basically believed all the same things we did. Then my companion didn't teach the guy but we are hoping to meet up with him again this week. Anyway, the U.S. guy his name is Iwasaki. He has basically lived in the U.S. his whole life but he is full Japanese. So we actually meet him again on Thursday and I taught him another lesson (all in English) basically just answering his questions and then told him about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. He said he would for sure read it. The only problem is that he went home two days ago, so I filled out the paper work and now referring him to the missionaries in Philly! One of the best experiences ever, basketball dendo, never can go wrong with that.

Next experience was yesterday. So we were suppose to have two of our investigators come to church yesterday, so we were waiting outside and they never came. I prayed three times for one of them to just come that was all I was asking for. Well guess what in the middle of sacrament meeting we get an email and it is Machida kun and he said he was here. We go out and get him and bring him into church. It was so amazing, miracles are the best. And then after church we finished teaching him all of lesson one. And we made a baptism date with him for the 31st of this month, and he said yes!! And he loves studying and just everything he is way awesome.

Then we had a talent show this week and that was so awesome. A guy named Okayama San came to it, and he came to it even when we just met him a day before it was way awesome. He was really strucked by our message because of us missionaries and why we would take 2 years out of our lives to do this. He was suppose to come to church today, but he bailed on us so that stunk! We are hopefully going to be able to meet with him this week!

Well that is about all from me I love you guys! And can't wait to talk to you in a couple hours!

Love, Elder Nielsen

Week 2 in ARG- Elder Gillett 5.5.14

I had some super cool experiences this past week too! So first off we haven´t had much success in getting new investigators in awhile in this area I guess but lately the past week or so we have got like 3 or 4 and they all are already super strong and on the right track!

I have been praying for help to work harder, to do what we need to when we need to, to find the people we need to and everyone of my wishes has come true.. Its absoultely crazy the blessings I have received and how much more intensified they are when I am actually in the mission field and doing exactly what we need to be doing!

But on this last Tuesday it was a holiday in Argentina so all the families were out cooking asado´s (steak) and hanging out drinking beer and everything. And we really weren´t having much success walking around and talking to people or anything.. But we started walking past this family and I had the impression to go talk to them.. but i ignored.. then 2 steps later I had the impression again... hahah it probably took me 3 or 4 tries before I was like FINE haha I will go talk to them (of course in a more spiritual way but thats basically how it went) so we went up to her and I said Hola! Somos missioneros de las iglesia de jesucristo. y queremos compartir un mensaje sobre el si podemos. which means We are missionaries and if we can want to share a message with you! She said I know who you are! I was baptized in your church when I was younger and living with my Aunt! Turns out she was a member of the ward that we had no idea about and had been inactive for years! So we taught her a lesson and she invited us back again soon so we are going to visit sometime this week! Crazy cool experience!

I think I told you about our new investigator named Martha who we taught the lesson of the restoration to and she was very accepting of it! Didn´t have any questions about it or anything and really enjoyed listening. so to start the other story with martha we first went and taught a man named Ruben who lives decently close to Martha. We got to his house, he welcomed us in and gave us the 2 chairs he had while he stood... even when we insisted for him to sit because he only was just getting better from some health problems. but he made us sit! haha so we taught him about the gospel of jesus christ! He was really interested especially since he was baptized in a church that made him dress in all white and fully submerged him in the water for baptism and he said didn´t feel any thing during or after the baptism... Sounds kinda like the way that we baptize doesn´t it??? hahaha well thats what we were thinking when he said that but luckily it wasn´t our church... hahah that was a scary couple of seconds.

But anyways he was really interested and wants us to continue teaching! We invited him to be baptized and he said I will have to think about it! And he wants to know that we have the proper authority to baptize and that he is doing this for a purpose! so we told him we will come back!

As we left the lesson with Ruben(Sunday night) I had another feeling that I had been having since I woke up Sunday. We needed to go teach Martha. So I told Elder Santos this and we were actually really close so we went to her house! When we got there she was outside with a bunch of family so at first we weren´t sure if we would be welcomed but I said "Hola!"  to her and she welcomed us into her front yard with her cousin and what we thought was her Son or daughter and a couple with 2 kids. So we sat down and she explained to them a little bit about who we are to her family for us which was cool to hear! and then we taught about the plan of salvation! Everybody was super involved and the lesson went really well! The couple lives far away so we are trying to find out where and if its in our mission to give the names to other missionaries but her cousin lives close and visits often so this week we have 2 appointments with Martha! One thursday with just her and then one saturday with her and her cousin so she is progressing really well and I would not be surprised if she accepted a date to be baptized here soon in the future if they continue this easily! Anyways super cool week!

Love you all and I pray for you all the time! Read the Book of Mormon! There are some amazing answers and stories in there that are super relatable to everybody and anybody in every different situation! and the Doctrine and Covenants is pretty cool too! Chapter 129 in there was interesting to read after us as missionaries had a discussion about it!

Elder Denis was just on a mini mission which is why he was serving so close to home so he left this morning and Elder De Loayaza left as well to be a zone leader so until tomorrow it is just me and elder santos in our apartment! And then we get another companionship! One is one of the presidents assistants that I met that was really cool and the other is a new missionary from the MTC in provo! a new Junkie! haha until next week! I am out of time right now! About to send a few more pictures! Not sure about mothers day yet but I am sure we will hear soon! I wouldn´t be surprised if we got to skype or something since we have the cameras to do that here at the computer place!

Love you! Elder Gillett

   

Jarrett Weekly Letter 5.4.2014

Dear Family,

Well the work is still going slow here that is for sure but that is okay! We are trying our best and we know that we will see miracles soon. We honestly were able to go out everyday and we didn't find really anyone to teach so that was kinda of a downer! 

We were able to have a investigator come to church yesterday! He came before we even taught him how crazy is that. He said he really liked it and then after we taught him about prayer and he really wants to pray everyday! He is maybe golden kamashittnai. But a really nice guy who really likes to talk a lot I mean A LOT! But I still love him. It was super cool just to even see his eyes change today it was an amazing moment.

I went on splits this week because my companion had a meeting he had to go to! And honeslty it wasn't my favorite I guess I just really like my companion, so that is why it wasn't the best!!

Well that is about all that went down I love you guys!!

Love, Elder Nielsen

Elder Weelson May 5th

Hello family!

Man its really hard not greeting in spanish... hahaha. I never really know what to say! haha

 But wow this week was amazing!! Im loving Fuenlabrada more and more. It is such an amazing area, with so many prapared people here.  And im really enjoying my time with Elder Hansen.  He is an incredible missionary.  Im so grateful to be his companion. He is such a great district leader, and is doing such an amazing job. I cant even beleive the first transfer is already almost over.  I could easily be here for another 6 months , Im so dang happy, and the work is going great!

So this week we had the Leadership Council in the mission home.  That was so amazing, and so humbling! I loved it so much.  The Assistants and President prapared such a great meeting.  It was amazing to see all the missionaries there.  They are all just amazing.  I look up to them so much. It was really good to meet all of them, and learn so much from them.  It was basically a long meeting with all of us missionaries putting in our imput and sharing ideas and stuff like that.  It was awesome! We got there early in the morning, started the meeting, had a little snack break, started the meeting back up and then finished by eating the famous food of Hermana Jackson. Wow does she cook amazing.  We had burritos... cafe rio style! So awesome!! I was so grateful to be there, and to just learn from everyone.  

This week we  also had our Zone Training meeting.  It turned out super super good. We focused a lot on the Book of Mormon, and the Atonement.  It was a very very powerful meeting.  Everyone said they really loved the meeting.  Its crazy how you have like less then 3 hours to plan for that meeting.  Im also super grateful for the  other Zone Leader here in the zone, Elder Saquicela.  He goes home in a month and a half... one more transfer, and has been helping me so much.  I feel like Im just calling him, and asking for advice every day.. just soaking up his knowledge and passion for the work. Its been a great experience this week with all these things happening.  

This week we had such a miracle! We were out contacting in the streets, on the way to a lesson, and we stopped this guy.  His name is Juanfran and is from Spain.  We asked him if he had some time right now, and he said of course! So we went and looked for a park and sat down with him.  We taught him the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and he commited to come to church the next day. Well right after him, we went to visit a member, and tell her happy birthday! Right as we were about to leave the house  (this is like 30 minutes after the lesson with Juanfran) we get a call from him.  He says "Elder.  I didnt have anything to do, so im here looking for  the church, but I cant find it.. can you come show me it? " so of course we ran to the church and gave him a tour! He loved the church, and ended up coming to church the next day.  He is doing so great, and is really progressing well.  Just that experience alone gives me the desire to talk to every single person that crosses our path.... and as well make sure that we cross there path as well. hahaha.    You never ever know when you are just going to find that  one prepared person.  Please pray for juanfran.

Victor is progressing really well too... but he just wont come to church.  He always says hes going to come, and seems really excited... but flakes out at the very last minute... if he comes to church, he will be baptized! 

Lately.. i dont know what it is... but I have just felt so grateful for everything.  Grateful for  you guys.  Grateful for my time I had in La Laguna.  Grateful for the chance to be here in Fuenlabrada.   Grateful to serve a mission.  Even grateful for the trials that we are having. I just lay down in bed every night and cant help but to smile, just for how much I have been and am being blessed.  I truly am so blessed.  I love you guys so much.  I feel like my eyes have just been opened to the importance of gratitude. Thank you guys for everything.  I cant even begin to describe how happy I am, and how hard im working working out here.  I guess we'll  just wait and see each other on MOTHERS DAY! I love you mom! SEE you on sunday!:)

Like always,

With much love,

And a crazy spanish accent,

Elder  weelson

(more missionaries call me elder wEElson than  elder wilson) hahahaha

Andrew email, April 28th

Andrew is still holding strong in the same area since he arrived in LA.  He has been out for 7 months on Friday.


Familia!!!! Como les va?

Well, everything goes well here.  We are working really hard and we are doing pretty well.  We have had a few pretty good miracles recently.  This last week was a little bit stressful though for a lot of reasons.

Precilla was very unsure about baptism, and she refused to accept a time to meet with us, so we could not find her.  We had a plan to do an interview on Sunday, and President Weidman would do the interview for her baptism.  We saw her at church and sat her down in another room so we could talk to her.  The spirit was so strong.  We fasted the day before that we would be able to have a powerful lesson with her at church. (She always goes to church without fail). We invited her again just to accept an interview to see if God thinks that she is ready for baptism.  We literally did everything that we could to help her enter the waters of baptism this Sunday, but after all of our efforts she said she is not ready yet. I dont think I have ever put so much effort in for a single investigator.  We literally spent all week trying to help her feel ready, but she kept denying us from seeing her.  I finally developed something for her that I have never had with any other person on my mission.  Pure Christlike love.  I did everything that I could possibly do for her, and I have learned that when we serve others with our full effort we are blessed with the ability to love people as Christ does.  I finally learned the importance of giving our full effort, all our heart, might, and strength with an eye single to the Glory of God.  We gave it our all, and all we want is for Precilla and her daughter to be sealed in the temple for all of eternity and to have a fullness of joy.  We can't take peoples agency.  She is so ready, but she just does not feel ready because she allowed the adversary to put those doubts in her mind.  We are not going to stop fighting for her, she will be baptized.

This week we got our transfer calls. Our district leader Elder Hamblin, one of my great friends, is now leaving to Hollywood to be a zone leader. I am going to stay here with Elder Calhoun (Wing is his real last name), and I am going to be District leader. I am so nervous, but at the same time I am so excited.  I am pretty excited to stay here in the Santa Fe Springs west mission. haha. #Downey4life (Downey is the city that Andrew lives in) Looks like I still haven't learned what I am supposed to learn here.  I am really excited to stay here, because we are going to have some baptisms coming up soon, I can feel it.  I am really ready to take on another transfer here.

I love you so much. Thanks for all of your support. I am really grateful for everything that you continually do for me. Keep working hard. You are all doing so great at home. Taylor, I am so excited that you are a BOB now.  You are going to love it there, and you will learn so much. I am so excited for you. Keaton, sorry bro, I hope you get better soon. I love you so much, keep working hard in soccer. YOU'RE THE BEST! Jacob, you are incredible, just keep improving your talents. Dad, keep us afloat!  I am so grateful to have such a hardworking, priesthood man as my father. Mom, you ROCK! Thank you for always being such a great support to us, it means a lot to me.  Alex buenas suerte con la cirugia. Que Dios te cuide y bendiga. Felicidades con el trabajo. ?Cuando vas a encontrar una esposa?

Elder Anderson (the younger)


Doing a little service and improving his area.  ;)