Well transfers have come again, as they do every six weeks. This time the Lord decided to send me back to Córdoba. Instead of the outskirts of town, however, he sent me to downtown. My area is called 9 de julio. My companion is Elder Antunez, he is from Santiago, Chile and I took his place in Lamadrid (Villa Maria), and now we are together...it's as if I've been following him and I finally caught up.
Weird to think that Elder Frias goes home tomorrow. He has been a great influence in my mission and he is now heading home. It seems so far away..but it's not, which scares me. We rode in on the bus together this morning, it's weird to say bye to so many people who are so important knowing there is a good chance I won't see them again in this life. Luckily some nerd invented facebook haha. Also weird to think that Alex is back and that Mike peaced out.
I'm disappointed Dakar is over too and that is came through Villa Maria during church...but it's okay because I'll ride in it one day.
I left some really important people in Villa Maria, from friends to investigators and members and everything. I really looked up to my branch president and his wife and last night we ate dinner with them and they both told me I'm a good missionary, I did good work and they were going to miss me. Yes, I know they probably say it to everyone but it made me feel really good that they saw the work I was doing.
Well I'm excited for some time here in Córdoba again. Extremely crazy to think I am in what could be my last area, but we are not to think about that. I still have a long way to go :)
I love you all have a fantastic week!
Chau,
ELMX
Monday, January 17, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Excellent Things Happening on the Missionary Front
Totally used the No Bake recipe you sent and it was a hit. Every week we take turns making desert for lunch on Sundays and it was my turn and I "pwned" it.
We are also "pwning" things on the missionary front. We had eight people in church yesterday and an awesome family about to be baptized and another awesome man as well.
I'm extremely content in our work at the moment. We are seeing great results and I am kind of scared to leave because I want to see all the fruits of the work we are doing, but transfers are coming this week and I'm little anxious. I've worked long and hard and am so consumed in this work and branch and family and I don't want to leave it. However, like our hymnal says, I'll go where He wants me to go.
I'm sorry the cyber is closing but I'll try to get back on later if I can. Love you have a great week!
Love,
ELMX
We are also "pwning" things on the missionary front. We had eight people in church yesterday and an awesome family about to be baptized and another awesome man as well.
I'm extremely content in our work at the moment. We are seeing great results and I am kind of scared to leave because I want to see all the fruits of the work we are doing, but transfers are coming this week and I'm little anxious. I've worked long and hard and am so consumed in this work and branch and family and I don't want to leave it. However, like our hymnal says, I'll go where He wants me to go.
I'm sorry the cyber is closing but I'll try to get back on later if I can. Love you have a great week!
Love,
ELMX
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Dakar Came Through Villa Maria!
Indeed, today is P-day, and then back to the normal Monday schedule. My new year has started well. This past week Elder Hebertson lost his last plack, so he is borrowing one of mine. Seeing how Elder is not a Spanish word people think it is our first name and often think we are brothers for having the same name. Now we are both Elder Lamoreaux so there is even more confusion, but it's fun...I just hope he doesn't lose my plack.
So we are seeing huge miracles with Marcela (I believe I've written of her before), her husband, and their children. I hope they reach their baptismal goal before I leave! She has a super strong testimony. He is improving, like a train, slowly, but he's gaining speed. It's awesome to watch and it is one of the times in my mission where I think much much more about them than about myself or anyone else, all of my thoughts are focused upon this family.
As for Dakar, it came through Villa Maria!! When? Sunday, while I was in church. We normally have a church attendance of 80 members or so, this week we were down to 35. They all went to watch Dakar. I saw two of the big trucks pass by, but that was it. However, those two trucks filled me with so much adrenaline knowing that it was Dakar passing right in front of me.
I've heard a rumor, that there is a way to make homemade egg nog. If this is true, could you please please please send me the recipe? I would also greatly appreciate the no bake cookie recipe. Thank you in advance.
It sounds like everyone is doing great! :) I am doing very well. Super happy. I'm learning patience with members, missionaries, myself, everyone, but it's good because it will be something that will help me in my post mission life as well.
I love you all, thanks for keeping me updated.
Love,
ELMX
So we are seeing huge miracles with Marcela (I believe I've written of her before), her husband, and their children. I hope they reach their baptismal goal before I leave! She has a super strong testimony. He is improving, like a train, slowly, but he's gaining speed. It's awesome to watch and it is one of the times in my mission where I think much much more about them than about myself or anyone else, all of my thoughts are focused upon this family.
As for Dakar, it came through Villa Maria!! When? Sunday, while I was in church. We normally have a church attendance of 80 members or so, this week we were down to 35. They all went to watch Dakar. I saw two of the big trucks pass by, but that was it. However, those two trucks filled me with so much adrenaline knowing that it was Dakar passing right in front of me.
I've heard a rumor, that there is a way to make homemade egg nog. If this is true, could you please please please send me the recipe? I would also greatly appreciate the no bake cookie recipe. Thank you in advance.
It sounds like everyone is doing great! :) I am doing very well. Super happy. I'm learning patience with members, missionaries, myself, everyone, but it's good because it will be something that will help me in my post mission life as well.
I love you all, thanks for keeping me updated.
Love,
ELMX
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year!
Happy twenty eleven! Two thousand and eleven is going to be one amazing year. The work is going really well, great way to start! Also I just feel really good about everything, although that's how I usually feel come new years, it's just full of optimism. Also, Mother, happy birthday!!! I can't believe your turning 29.
Well, figured I would let you in on how I rolled in the year 2011. I did so partying! Not with members, however, just missionaries. The six of us in the city all got together, had an asado, drank pineapple and strawberry cider (alcohol free is hard to find, but we did it). We played some guitar and enjoyed ouselves. There was a good fireworks display. Then this morning to start the year right, we went paintballing! Eight elders, four sisters, and two members. It was super fun. It was jungle play basically. It was all overgrown greenness, really pretty, but we all got scrapped up. Out of the twelve of us, only three had ever played. Great start to the year.
It feels way weird having p-day on Saturday, I have a hard time thinking we have church tomorrow. Before I forget, I gotta throw out a big thank you for my Christmas tie, bleach pen, shirt, post its (of three styles, I don't remember telling you I was a post it addict and I'm running low), the pens, the chapstick, and the oil. You are all the best! Thanks for the support!
I'm glad to hear everyone is enjoying their vacation and the cold, I assure you it is not cold here...weird to think I'll basically have a full year of summer in 2011 (at least the majority of the year).
I'm going to end saying, I am having a hard time believing that my quest has reached its 75% completed mark. I am in the older quarter of the mission. I remember looking up to missionaries at this point in their quest and thinking it was a large milestone. Now I'm here and I can't believe it. I can accomplish a lot in six months, yet it is a short period of time. I love this work, I love my eighteen months of service. I love everyone who supports, writes, remembers, speaks of, or prays for me. I strongly encourage everyone to make the sacrifice and do this. Tate, Shea, Tyra, Mom and Dad (in twenty-thirty years), every cousin, friend, member, nothing is like it and I don't like thinking it will come to an end this year. But like I said, a lot can be accomplished in six months, and a lot will be accomplished.
Have a great new year! Love,
ELMX
Well, figured I would let you in on how I rolled in the year 2011. I did so partying! Not with members, however, just missionaries. The six of us in the city all got together, had an asado, drank pineapple and strawberry cider (alcohol free is hard to find, but we did it). We played some guitar and enjoyed ouselves. There was a good fireworks display. Then this morning to start the year right, we went paintballing! Eight elders, four sisters, and two members. It was super fun. It was jungle play basically. It was all overgrown greenness, really pretty, but we all got scrapped up. Out of the twelve of us, only three had ever played. Great start to the year.
It feels way weird having p-day on Saturday, I have a hard time thinking we have church tomorrow. Before I forget, I gotta throw out a big thank you for my Christmas tie, bleach pen, shirt, post its (of three styles, I don't remember telling you I was a post it addict and I'm running low), the pens, the chapstick, and the oil. You are all the best! Thanks for the support!
I'm glad to hear everyone is enjoying their vacation and the cold, I assure you it is not cold here...weird to think I'll basically have a full year of summer in 2011 (at least the majority of the year).
I'm going to end saying, I am having a hard time believing that my quest has reached its 75% completed mark. I am in the older quarter of the mission. I remember looking up to missionaries at this point in their quest and thinking it was a large milestone. Now I'm here and I can't believe it. I can accomplish a lot in six months, yet it is a short period of time. I love this work, I love my eighteen months of service. I love everyone who supports, writes, remembers, speaks of, or prays for me. I strongly encourage everyone to make the sacrifice and do this. Tate, Shea, Tyra, Mom and Dad (in twenty-thirty years), every cousin, friend, member, nothing is like it and I don't like thinking it will come to an end this year. But like I said, a lot can be accomplished in six months, and a lot will be accomplished.
Have a great new year! Love,
ELMX
Monday, December 20, 2010
Merry Christmas
I'm feelin super Christmasy. It's my last mission Christmas! Elder Hebertson and I are playing acoustic Christmas shows in the plaza to find new investigators. I play the guitar and we sing Christmas hymns and the other elders contact people that listen to us. I'll try to take some pictures this weekend to send next Monday...it's pure legendaryism.
This week started with intercambios (exchanges). I was with Elder Tanner Bryant (Mesa, AZ) in the small town of Las Varillas. We had a good time and worked hard and it was awesome (for lack of better words). That was Tuesday and Wednesday. Then Thursday we woke up at 3:30 to get on a 4:00 o´clock bus to Córdoba for the Zone Conference. I saw some good friends and had some good times. It was a half p-day half zone conference. After the spiritual part, we all played soccer, volleyball, obstacle race, tug of war, sack race, and water fight. We had an asado, and received an engraved mate cup from the president and his wife. I also received a package from my family! However, I still have not received an SD card letter, I am assuming it is not going to make it here. I greatly appreciate the candy! And I am saving all the gifts for Saturday...mainly because Elder Hebertson is lame and won't let me open them :(. He also received two packages. One with Christmas decorations! So we have a little tree, snowflakes, and lights. This Christmas feels a lot more Christmasy than the last. He also received music so that adds to it. He also received two stockings (one for him, one for his comp). Each stocking contains twelve gifts, so every night we get to open one until Christmas and each one has a scripture reference and the scripture is related to the gift. For example a scripture about clean hands is accompanied by a bar of soap. It's fun :).
As for other things going on, although it's way hot and humid, I will see a white Christmas. How? White in baptismal clothing! We have been struggling a little bit lately, we haven't been seeing the results we want, but the Lord has seen our faith and our diligence and has blesses us with a baptism I didn't see happening till January! I'm so excited! It will be Elder Hebertson's second and he will have baptized every month of his mission thus far (MTC excluded).
Now for the Christmas call. Pres Salas recommended us calling instead of being called. So, Saturday morning I'll be calling around 10/11 my time, if you have any problems let me know, it can be later if you'd like.
Tell Kayla happy birthday and all our family Merry Christmas and I love and miss them.
Paz fuera che,
ELMX
This week started with intercambios (exchanges). I was with Elder Tanner Bryant (Mesa, AZ) in the small town of Las Varillas. We had a good time and worked hard and it was awesome (for lack of better words). That was Tuesday and Wednesday. Then Thursday we woke up at 3:30 to get on a 4:00 o´clock bus to Córdoba for the Zone Conference. I saw some good friends and had some good times. It was a half p-day half zone conference. After the spiritual part, we all played soccer, volleyball, obstacle race, tug of war, sack race, and water fight. We had an asado, and received an engraved mate cup from the president and his wife. I also received a package from my family! However, I still have not received an SD card letter, I am assuming it is not going to make it here. I greatly appreciate the candy! And I am saving all the gifts for Saturday...mainly because Elder Hebertson is lame and won't let me open them :(. He also received two packages. One with Christmas decorations! So we have a little tree, snowflakes, and lights. This Christmas feels a lot more Christmasy than the last. He also received music so that adds to it. He also received two stockings (one for him, one for his comp). Each stocking contains twelve gifts, so every night we get to open one until Christmas and each one has a scripture reference and the scripture is related to the gift. For example a scripture about clean hands is accompanied by a bar of soap. It's fun :).
As for other things going on, although it's way hot and humid, I will see a white Christmas. How? White in baptismal clothing! We have been struggling a little bit lately, we haven't been seeing the results we want, but the Lord has seen our faith and our diligence and has blesses us with a baptism I didn't see happening till January! I'm so excited! It will be Elder Hebertson's second and he will have baptized every month of his mission thus far (MTC excluded).
Now for the Christmas call. Pres Salas recommended us calling instead of being called. So, Saturday morning I'll be calling around 10/11 my time, if you have any problems let me know, it can be later if you'd like.
Tell Kayla happy birthday and all our family Merry Christmas and I love and miss them.
Paz fuera che,
ELMX
Monday, December 13, 2010
What Comes Before Part B?....Part-ayy!
This was a party week! Wednesday there was a young men/women activity (it was Day of the Virgin) so no one had school. We are teaching a 12 year old boy and 16 year old girl (their mother was baptized last month and we are trying to complete the family). So we invited them both, Miguel and Juliana. They came...along with their mother and cousins and neighbors and nephews. The other elders invited two young women from a family they are teaching as well, well that whole family showed up. The choripan (sausage sandwich things) didn't cover all the extra people, neither did the soda. So we tried to help out, but it still didn't reach. However, it was fun and everyone enjoyed themselves.
The following day (Thursday) we had a lesson with Marcela. She is going through a lot of rough problems right now, with her husband and just life in general. Well she had an important court meeting, she was really nervous. We explained Priesthood blessings and offered her one. I have never in my life felt so inspired as I gave a blessing. I have never been so bold nor specific. I was impressed with myself afterwards wondering what happened. The next day (Friday) was the ward Christmas party. Marcela came with all her kids and her neighbor with her husband and their kids. While at the party she pulled Elder Hebertson and I aside to tell us how court went. She said everything I had said in the blessing came to pass. She said she had never felt so peaceful in such a rough situation. It was way awesome hearing that from her. The rest of that party went really well, and there was enough food haha.
Those are the two big events from this week. Thursday I'm going in to Córdoba, so hopefully my package has made it and I get it before Christmas! Also, Summer does have a home, but on exchanges Elder Hebertson and Elder Bryant found an even younger puppy that was going to die in the street and ended up giving him away too haha. We're not only saving souls, but dogs too! As for the photo of me with my guitar, that is Villa Maria, on top of our apartment complex.
Well I love you all and will write and talk to you next week!
Love,
ELMX
The following day (Thursday) we had a lesson with Marcela. She is going through a lot of rough problems right now, with her husband and just life in general. Well she had an important court meeting, she was really nervous. We explained Priesthood blessings and offered her one. I have never in my life felt so inspired as I gave a blessing. I have never been so bold nor specific. I was impressed with myself afterwards wondering what happened. The next day (Friday) was the ward Christmas party. Marcela came with all her kids and her neighbor with her husband and their kids. While at the party she pulled Elder Hebertson and I aside to tell us how court went. She said everything I had said in the blessing came to pass. She said she had never felt so peaceful in such a rough situation. It was way awesome hearing that from her. The rest of that party went really well, and there was enough food haha.
Those are the two big events from this week. Thursday I'm going in to Córdoba, so hopefully my package has made it and I get it before Christmas! Also, Summer does have a home, but on exchanges Elder Hebertson and Elder Bryant found an even younger puppy that was going to die in the street and ended up giving him away too haha. We're not only saving souls, but dogs too! As for the photo of me with my guitar, that is Villa Maria, on top of our apartment complex.
Well I love you all and will write and talk to you next week!
Love,
ELMX
Monday, December 6, 2010
Lots of Work...Lots of Heat...and a Dog for One Night
Hey. So Argentina is way hot. I forgot what it was like to have hot Christmas. Christmas songs don't really exist, all I hear is Eminem and Rihanna and a type of music called Quarteto, Christmas season doesn't really start until day of the virgin (Wednesday). Everyone decorates their trees and the country stops for a day. Although the country comes to a stop about 34 times a year for all their national holidays. It also comes to stop every day for a couple hours starting at one. (ha!ha!) Generally more people do listen at this time of year, but just one time, it's hard to get it to continue.
Could you do me a favor and send the talks given by the First Presidency yesterday in the Christmas devotional. The messages were really good and I would like to be able to share them with others. One of the part member families were visiting came to the devotional! It was way awesome. It was broadcast live here so I watched it at ten o'clock and made it home around twelve. I felt so cool, and kinda like Levi instead Elder Lamoreaux walking around at that hour.
Well transfers came this week and I am here to inform I have six weeks to get to know Elder Hebertson even better. Interested in hearing a story about Elder Hebertson and I? Wednesday afternoon we heard some crying sounds coming from a weed covered field. I went to investigate. What did we discover? Five abandoned puppies! I said oh that's sad, let's go. Elder Hebertson said no, he said they were "cute" and "tender" and he "wanted to keep them and sleep with them". Well I said no but that we could call some members and see if anyone wanted a puppy. They were about a week hold. Nobody wanted one but he still was not leaving them, so we took them up in our arms and walked through town asking who wanted a free puppy. We were able to give away Che, Nigger, T-Swizzy, and Lodo. We were left with, however, Summer. She was the ugliest of the bunch and no one wanted her. Elder Hebertson was so stoked to have a pet dog we ended up taking it home for the night, then we were going to give it away the next morning, also under the condition that Elder Hebertson took care of it. Let's say he did not. The dog cried all night and I took care of it all night. All morning I took care of it and when I got out the shower my companion was just looking at the dog with hatred in his eyes. He has never had a pet and after this week I don't think he ever will haha.
That was my week haha. Lots of work, lots of heat, no changes with transfers, and a dog for a night. Also interesting side note. My two mission Christmases are going to be spend with Elder Frias (he is serving in the same branch but with a different companion). I wonder how many missionaries spend two Chirstmases with the same elder. Have a great week and enjoy the Christmas season and don't be Grinch's! (it comes from President Uchtdorf's talk).
Love you, chau,
ELMX
Could you do me a favor and send the talks given by the First Presidency yesterday in the Christmas devotional. The messages were really good and I would like to be able to share them with others. One of the part member families were visiting came to the devotional! It was way awesome. It was broadcast live here so I watched it at ten o'clock and made it home around twelve. I felt so cool, and kinda like Levi instead Elder Lamoreaux walking around at that hour.
Well transfers came this week and I am here to inform I have six weeks to get to know Elder Hebertson even better. Interested in hearing a story about Elder Hebertson and I? Wednesday afternoon we heard some crying sounds coming from a weed covered field. I went to investigate. What did we discover? Five abandoned puppies! I said oh that's sad, let's go. Elder Hebertson said no, he said they were "cute" and "tender" and he "wanted to keep them and sleep with them". Well I said no but that we could call some members and see if anyone wanted a puppy. They were about a week hold. Nobody wanted one but he still was not leaving them, so we took them up in our arms and walked through town asking who wanted a free puppy. We were able to give away Che, Nigger, T-Swizzy, and Lodo. We were left with, however, Summer. She was the ugliest of the bunch and no one wanted her. Elder Hebertson was so stoked to have a pet dog we ended up taking it home for the night, then we were going to give it away the next morning, also under the condition that Elder Hebertson took care of it. Let's say he did not. The dog cried all night and I took care of it all night. All morning I took care of it and when I got out the shower my companion was just looking at the dog with hatred in his eyes. He has never had a pet and after this week I don't think he ever will haha.
That was my week haha. Lots of work, lots of heat, no changes with transfers, and a dog for a night. Also interesting side note. My two mission Christmases are going to be spend with Elder Frias (he is serving in the same branch but with a different companion). I wonder how many missionaries spend two Chirstmases with the same elder. Have a great week and enjoy the Christmas season and don't be Grinch's! (it comes from President Uchtdorf's talk).
Love you, chau,
ELMX
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