This past week was difficult as not much happened due mostly to lack of time on our part and on the part of the people.
This coming week is also going to be interesting because my companion can’t walk. He has some serious knee problems and this week we’re going to be getting every test that we can think of. This will allow the president; my comp and his parents to make the best decision. So with all of that in mind I’m a bit frustrated.
Elder Garcia and I we worked so hard and nothing really happened. We saw a lot of good people get really, really close to making covenants with our Heavenly Father and then get cold feet or not do their part to receive the blessings. However the work of the Lord moves on.
Again this week we will be in clinics and hospitals probably all week! It will be interesting to see what doors the Lord opens in this different setting, so I’ll let all of you know how it goes.
We’ve already received a lot of support from the members here who are already trying to make plans so that we can still teach but it’s going to be difficult but then again, nothing worthwhile in life is easy! So we’ll really all we have to get the spirit and do all we can to help all the people we can!
Thanks for everything and Have a great week.
Elder Sands
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
It’s Christmas! And it’s really, really hot down here. Yesterday it got up to 96 degrees! Anyway I figured I’d give you all the gift that is the dearest thing I own.
I KNOW that God lives, He loves us more than we can imagine and He wants the best for us. His son Jesus Christ also loves us so much He gave more than just His life for us, He gave all He is for us! He wants us to be perfect so that we can become like Him and have the same happiness that He has. He’s given us the prophet Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon so that we can know how we can do our best to achieve this perfection. He has also given us a prophet, even Thomas S. Monson who leads us as the mouthpiece of God. I KNOW all of this because I’ve done what I could to be ready and prepared to receive an answer from God by His Spirit. He answered me! I KNOW that it is all true and that with the help and through the atonement of Christ we might all be with our Father in Heaven again someday.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Love Elder Sands
I KNOW that God lives, He loves us more than we can imagine and He wants the best for us. His son Jesus Christ also loves us so much He gave more than just His life for us, He gave all He is for us! He wants us to be perfect so that we can become like Him and have the same happiness that He has. He’s given us the prophet Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon so that we can know how we can do our best to achieve this perfection. He has also given us a prophet, even Thomas S. Monson who leads us as the mouthpiece of God. I KNOW all of this because I’ve done what I could to be ready and prepared to receive an answer from God by His Spirit. He answered me! I KNOW that it is all true and that with the help and through the atonement of Christ we might all be with our Father in Heaven again someday.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Love Elder Sands
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
First off I’m writing today because my comp was sick yesterday and by the time he felt better, we had to go to an appointment, so I’m letting you know I’m fine and you’ll get everything next week.
Chau!
Elder Sands
Chau!
Elder Sands
Monday, December 6, 2010
This week was slow. The only people that seemed to be there were members that are less active.
I’m devastated to think how the gospel could change some peoples, so many people’s lives, if only they would listen for a half-hour!
But something interesting that did happen, my last comp Elder Vazquez contacted me to tell me that he is going to a different area a little bit early so he gave a report. Some of the investigators that he and I were teaching when I left, many have been baptized! The mother and daughter of Andre; Nilda and Coti, the lady from the Dominican Republic; Gorgina, the granddaughter of one of the members; Sofia (and her dad too!), the daughter of a less active family that we were working with; Natalia (I had only met her like once), and a random contact that I remember meeting one night in the busy part of downtown; Norma (and her daughter!), all baptized! So he didn’t really want to go but then again I didn’t want to either. It’s wonderful to know all of these people and the happiness that they now have and to think that so many more could feel that same way, have those and more blessings... if only they would listen. How many of us are listening to Him when he calls. I pray that we might always hear Him when he’s trying to help us, comfort us and guide us.
Have a great week and I love you all. Chau!
Elder Sands
I’m devastated to think how the gospel could change some peoples, so many people’s lives, if only they would listen for a half-hour!
But something interesting that did happen, my last comp Elder Vazquez contacted me to tell me that he is going to a different area a little bit early so he gave a report. Some of the investigators that he and I were teaching when I left, many have been baptized! The mother and daughter of Andre; Nilda and Coti, the lady from the Dominican Republic; Gorgina, the granddaughter of one of the members; Sofia (and her dad too!), the daughter of a less active family that we were working with; Natalia (I had only met her like once), and a random contact that I remember meeting one night in the busy part of downtown; Norma (and her daughter!), all baptized! So he didn’t really want to go but then again I didn’t want to either. It’s wonderful to know all of these people and the happiness that they now have and to think that so many more could feel that same way, have those and more blessings... if only they would listen. How many of us are listening to Him when he calls. I pray that we might always hear Him when he’s trying to help us, comfort us and guide us.
Have a great week and I love you all. Chau!
Elder Sands
Monday, November 29, 2010
Well this week wasn't the most interesting. We did a ton of walking again yesterday. Our ward boundary is a little interesting so we have a neighborhood that is really far. So we went out there to see what is was like. We walked 20 something kilometers in like 3 hours.
So we now have the date set for Alejandro and Irene for December 11th! We're also going to baptize Domingo and maybe Jorje. We're really excited for all of these people who are accepting the Lord in their life, it's really amazing to see the changes in their lives!
As a side note I went and gave a talk yesterday. I'll give all of you some advice don't ever write the notes for your talk in the same spot where just a minute earlier you cut up an onion! jajaja yeah it's just as it sounds. Nevertheless the talk went well.
The Lord loves us infinitely, always remember that!
Thanks for everything.
Elder Sands
So we now have the date set for Alejandro and Irene for December 11th! We're also going to baptize Domingo and maybe Jorje. We're really excited for all of these people who are accepting the Lord in their life, it's really amazing to see the changes in their lives!
As a side note I went and gave a talk yesterday. I'll give all of you some advice don't ever write the notes for your talk in the same spot where just a minute earlier you cut up an onion! jajaja yeah it's just as it sounds. Nevertheless the talk went well.
The Lord loves us infinitely, always remember that!
Thanks for everything.
Elder Sands
Monday, November 22, 2010
Well this week we had a few people show up to church. One of them we have been teaching on and off (mostly because we can't find him ever) we talked with him on Saturday and a co-worker/friend was there so we taught the restoration to them again. Well this man that we can't ever find is named Hector and well he bore his testimony of the Book of Mormon and of the prophet Joseph Smith so that was a bit of a surprise, we didn't know he had a testimony. He'll have to change a few things in his life and we're not sure if he understands everything but that was a pleasant surprise.
So we also had that friend of his show up, Domingo is his name. That was also a great surprise. He doesn't live in our area but he'll be taught by two other elders.
Also we had Irene and Alejando show up which has a miracle attached to it. Irene in Relief Society (as every sister in the ward tried to tell us afterwards) that in the morning while she was ironing the shirts that they were going to use for church all of the electricity went out. So she said ok God we're not going to church in wrinkly shirts so if you want us to go I need electricity. In that instant the electricity went back on! Oh the tender mercies of the Lord! So they came and both participated and loved it. Also their two kids went to primary and loved it! We just need to teach a few things before they make their first covenants with the Lord in their baptism!
Well not much else happened this week, just lots and lots of rain again. It's definitely getting hotter too!
Well this is the Lord's work and His glory to bring to pass our happiness for eternity!
Have a great week. Chau!
So we also had that friend of his show up, Domingo is his name. That was also a great surprise. He doesn't live in our area but he'll be taught by two other elders.
Also we had Irene and Alejando show up which has a miracle attached to it. Irene in Relief Society (as every sister in the ward tried to tell us afterwards) that in the morning while she was ironing the shirts that they were going to use for church all of the electricity went out. So she said ok God we're not going to church in wrinkly shirts so if you want us to go I need electricity. In that instant the electricity went back on! Oh the tender mercies of the Lord! So they came and both participated and loved it. Also their two kids went to primary and loved it! We just need to teach a few things before they make their first covenants with the Lord in their baptism!
Well not much else happened this week, just lots and lots of rain again. It's definitely getting hotter too!
Well this is the Lord's work and His glory to bring to pass our happiness for eternity!
Have a great week. Chau!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Elder Sands as some of you already know has been sending out voice emails rather than the traditional written kind. So, while we have been in contact with him nothing has been available for publishing on the blog. He will again be including something for the blog starting next week. So, to tide you all over here is one of his voice emails to the family that isn't too personal; enjoy!
Monday, October 18, 2010
NOTE: 6 NEW PICTURES! CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO THE RIGHT TO VIEW THE PICTURE ALBUM.
So as for Argentina everything here is way more expensive than in Miramar. A kilo of asado (meat) was about 20 pesos, here it’s 40 pesos a kilo! Everything they eat here is meat from the cow so it’s way hard to eat anything!
This week we had divisions when I went to the downtown of the city. Oh yeah, I don’t think I mentioned which city I’m in, I’m now in Bahía Blanca! So I went with Elder Blackhorse and we had a blast and a lot of new investigators. That is the great thing about divisions, you get to work with another Elder and see how they do things then apply that into your teaching style and all of that, but at the same time I’ll never see those people again! We were able to explain how this church is the place where everything is at not just parts and that they can all find out for themselves if it’s true.
Well I have to go but have a great week and thanks for everything!
Elder Sands
So as for Argentina everything here is way more expensive than in Miramar. A kilo of asado (meat) was about 20 pesos, here it’s 40 pesos a kilo! Everything they eat here is meat from the cow so it’s way hard to eat anything!
This week we had divisions when I went to the downtown of the city. Oh yeah, I don’t think I mentioned which city I’m in, I’m now in Bahía Blanca! So I went with Elder Blackhorse and we had a blast and a lot of new investigators. That is the great thing about divisions, you get to work with another Elder and see how they do things then apply that into your teaching style and all of that, but at the same time I’ll never see those people again! We were able to explain how this church is the place where everything is at not just parts and that they can all find out for themselves if it’s true.
Well I have to go but have a great week and thanks for everything!
Elder Sands
Monday, October 11, 2010
NOTE: 6 NEW PICTURES! CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO THE RIGHT TO VIEW THE PICTURE ALBUM.
Well you’re all probably wondering why I’m writing on a Monday, well we had P-day change again so here goes a big story/miracle from the week. Let’s just say that it was one crazy Friday. So we leave in the morning and the first contact was a little interesting. He had a fly swatter of metal that was a pretty thick metal and he was playing with it while he talked. He basically was an old crazy guy so he like urges me to give him a short message so that’s what i did. About 3 minutes I talked then he started talking and after about a half hour of him talking about this and that, he starts talking about communism and how we’re communists and how the churches just help to keep the people ignorant and all of that kind of stuff. I decided to tell him that we needed to go. Well he first told me that I was ignorant then he told me that I need to learn patience and then that if we didn’t have time we wouldn’t have stopped in the first place. So he starts to get angry, really angry! I told him that our message is really important and that now we had listened to him for a half hour that now we didn’t have any more time for the moment. So he goes and grabs my arm and hits me on the head with that metal fly swatter thing! As we both start walking away very quickly, my comp also gets hit and so as we’re walking away he’s yelling communists, communists! So after all of that we go looking at a less actives house to see if he was there and a guy comes up to us and says hay I’ve got some people that need the missionary lessons. We’re thinking OK we’re down with that. As we start to follow him he leads us into like a junkyard area and we’re now just hoping that we’re not going to get robbed! However the tender mercies of the Lord were made manifest and we ended up teaching 5 people there that all have a day to get baptized the 30th of this month! We couldn’t believe it. They didn’t come to church because they all thought that it was a 9:30 at night and not in the morning.
Well anyway time is ticking down but Have a great week! Chou!
Elder Sands
Well you’re all probably wondering why I’m writing on a Monday, well we had P-day change again so here goes a big story/miracle from the week. Let’s just say that it was one crazy Friday. So we leave in the morning and the first contact was a little interesting. He had a fly swatter of metal that was a pretty thick metal and he was playing with it while he talked. He basically was an old crazy guy so he like urges me to give him a short message so that’s what i did. About 3 minutes I talked then he started talking and after about a half hour of him talking about this and that, he starts talking about communism and how we’re communists and how the churches just help to keep the people ignorant and all of that kind of stuff. I decided to tell him that we needed to go. Well he first told me that I was ignorant then he told me that I need to learn patience and then that if we didn’t have time we wouldn’t have stopped in the first place. So he starts to get angry, really angry! I told him that our message is really important and that now we had listened to him for a half hour that now we didn’t have any more time for the moment. So he goes and grabs my arm and hits me on the head with that metal fly swatter thing! As we both start walking away very quickly, my comp also gets hit and so as we’re walking away he’s yelling communists, communists! So after all of that we go looking at a less actives house to see if he was there and a guy comes up to us and says hay I’ve got some people that need the missionary lessons. We’re thinking OK we’re down with that. As we start to follow him he leads us into like a junkyard area and we’re now just hoping that we’re not going to get robbed! However the tender mercies of the Lord were made manifest and we ended up teaching 5 people there that all have a day to get baptized the 30th of this month! We couldn’t believe it. They didn’t come to church because they all thought that it was a 9:30 at night and not in the morning.
Well anyway time is ticking down but Have a great week! Chou!
Elder Sands
Thursday, October 7, 2010
NEWS: SEBRING SANDS RECEIVED HIS MISSION CALL TODAY! He has been call to labor in the BRAZIL CAMPINAS MISSION. He will enter the Missionary Training Center in São Paulo, Brazil on March 30, 2011. Follow the experiences of his mission here on the "Sands Mission Blog" beginning in April 2011.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
NOTE: 6 NEW PICTURES! CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO THE RIGHT TO VIEW THE PICTURE ALBUM.
Well you're all not going to believe it but I'm in a WARD a real ward with a Bishop with two, yes two councilors with High Priests! I keep on pinching myself to try and see if I'm having the best dream of my life.
My first day here we taught a lady and her brother who had lost his son about a year ago. At the end of the lesson they were both crying and couldn't wait to read the Book of Mormon. Also that same day with a couple, one that is from Brazil (she has a really strong accent but understandable) and although they have to get married once again they were balling especially her. They have a neighbor that is a member and he was trying to share the gospel with them. When we entered the house they said that they were very interested. I wish I heard that more often I just about passed out because of shock! Also that night a family that is less active were also in tears and they had really a change of heart. You could say you saw visibly the difference the spirit had done in them. Both my comp and I said things that weren't us. I had never said stuff like that before and he said that he hadn't either.
Really it's amazing what the Lord can do and all we have to do is be obedient.
My comps name is Elder Garcia and is From Texas. Well I have to go but Thank you all and have a great week!
Elder Sands
Well you're all not going to believe it but I'm in a WARD a real ward with a Bishop with two, yes two councilors with High Priests! I keep on pinching myself to try and see if I'm having the best dream of my life.
My first day here we taught a lady and her brother who had lost his son about a year ago. At the end of the lesson they were both crying and couldn't wait to read the Book of Mormon. Also that same day with a couple, one that is from Brazil (she has a really strong accent but understandable) and although they have to get married once again they were balling especially her. They have a neighbor that is a member and he was trying to share the gospel with them. When we entered the house they said that they were very interested. I wish I heard that more often I just about passed out because of shock! Also that night a family that is less active were also in tears and they had really a change of heart. You could say you saw visibly the difference the spirit had done in them. Both my comp and I said things that weren't us. I had never said stuff like that before and he said that he hadn't either.
Really it's amazing what the Lord can do and all we have to do is be obedient.
My comps name is Elder Garcia and is From Texas. Well I have to go but Thank you all and have a great week!
Elder Sands
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Sorry folks, I haven’t had pictures in a while. I haven’t been in a ciber that has been good in a long time and just a few days ago I lost my flash drive! I think I still might be able to find it but I don’t know. If so than I’ve lost almost all of my photos from Miramar; such is life.
Well the President said that I was leaving to my comp; he told him that he needed to take lots of notes because I’m leaving this transfer. So that’s it i don’t really know where; not that’s it’s a surprise, usually more than six months in an area, well it doesn’t happen very often.
So this week was busy! First we had a wedding on Friday! Yeah David and Danella got married and we were there for the signing in the public records place for most of the reception. They’re so great. Then David, Danella, their daughters and a friend and another Lady Andrea got baptized on Saturday! They’re each a miracle! It was a great day to say the least; to see people that are so ready to accept the things of the Lord is such a privilege! I love this work to see the difference that the gospel makes in the lives of people!
Yesterday we went to Otamendi, a little city that is part of the rama to open up the predication more or less and we found this one lady that is also going to get baptized. In the beginning she was hesitant, really hesitant, but by the end she asked us to leave the Book of Mormon so she could read it. The spirit was so strong. My comp and I said things that didn’t make sense in the moment but they were answering her questions that we didn’t even know about!
Well again, this week is transfers and General Conference. I don’t know where I’m going but I know I’ll be where the Lord wants me to be.
Thanks for everything!
Elder Sands
Well the President said that I was leaving to my comp; he told him that he needed to take lots of notes because I’m leaving this transfer. So that’s it i don’t really know where; not that’s it’s a surprise, usually more than six months in an area, well it doesn’t happen very often.
So this week was busy! First we had a wedding on Friday! Yeah David and Danella got married and we were there for the signing in the public records place for most of the reception. They’re so great. Then David, Danella, their daughters and a friend and another Lady Andrea got baptized on Saturday! They’re each a miracle! It was a great day to say the least; to see people that are so ready to accept the things of the Lord is such a privilege! I love this work to see the difference that the gospel makes in the lives of people!
Yesterday we went to Otamendi, a little city that is part of the rama to open up the predication more or less and we found this one lady that is also going to get baptized. In the beginning she was hesitant, really hesitant, but by the end she asked us to leave the Book of Mormon so she could read it. The spirit was so strong. My comp and I said things that didn’t make sense in the moment but they were answering her questions that we didn’t even know about!
Well again, this week is transfers and General Conference. I don’t know where I’m going but I know I’ll be where the Lord wants me to be.
Thanks for everything!
Elder Sands
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis was great! He dropped the cane! Left and right and we all came away a little bit bruised, but no pain no gain!
As Elder Aidukaitis asked the missionaries what excuses might exist, my comp said "lazy comps". As I am training him right now or in other words, I am his first comp, everyone was kind of like "what is he talking about", especially the Mission President. His face was great. Let's just say that I'm not known for being a lazy missionary. My comp said it not because I'm lazy, but because he's heard a lot about some of them, so it was pretty funny.
Elder Aidukaitis also is from Brazil and as a result he was falling into speaking Portuguese all of the time. We could understand him more or less but it was pretty funny and for some of the newer missionaries it was a lot harder.
This weekend we're having a wedding, baptisms and confirmations. The Lord is a Lord of miracles and I've had the privilege of seeing some in my time here in Miramar.
The Mission President said that I'm gone the 3rd of October and I'm sad to go but at the same time new challenges, new people and new opportunities to grow.
I love the Lord, I love His Church and I love all of you!
Have a great week!
Elder Sands
As Elder Aidukaitis asked the missionaries what excuses might exist, my comp said "lazy comps". As I am training him right now or in other words, I am his first comp, everyone was kind of like "what is he talking about", especially the Mission President. His face was great. Let's just say that I'm not known for being a lazy missionary. My comp said it not because I'm lazy, but because he's heard a lot about some of them, so it was pretty funny.
Elder Aidukaitis also is from Brazil and as a result he was falling into speaking Portuguese all of the time. We could understand him more or less but it was pretty funny and for some of the newer missionaries it was a lot harder.
This weekend we're having a wedding, baptisms and confirmations. The Lord is a Lord of miracles and I've had the privilege of seeing some in my time here in Miramar.
The Mission President said that I'm gone the 3rd of October and I'm sad to go but at the same time new challenges, new people and new opportunities to grow.
I love the Lord, I love His Church and I love all of you!
Have a great week!
Elder Sands
Thursday, September 16, 2010
NOTE: 4 NEW PICTURES! CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO THE RIGHT TO VIEW THE PICTURE ALBUM.
I'm writing today first because I didn't get too yesterday and I had to go on divisions and we had interviews with the President, so I only have a few minutes to do it today. Also, we have a bunch of citas (lessons) and the district meeting in like 5 minutes!
So sorry but have a great week and I'll prepare a thing about everything that happened so I can just type it up and send it next week and save time.
Chao!
Elder Sands
I'm writing today first because I didn't get too yesterday and I had to go on divisions and we had interviews with the President, so I only have a few minutes to do it today. Also, we have a bunch of citas (lessons) and the district meeting in like 5 minutes!
So sorry but have a great week and I'll prepare a thing about everything that happened so I can just type it up and send it next week and save time.
Chao!
Elder Sands
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Tomorrow we have a general authority coming to Mar Del Plata and it’s Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis a member of the first quorum of the seventy. The last time we had a seventy come he dropped the cane on the mission for that stuff that we weren’t doing right. I’m really looking forward to it.
Also, all is going well here in Miramar! David and Danella are getting ready for the wedding the 24th so that they can get baptized the 25th then they’ll get confirmed the 26th!
Also a girl from the Dominican Republic moved into the branch and her mom is now taking the lessons and she is so ready, the only problem she doesn’t think she’s ready so we’re going to show her that she is ready; well really were going to let her find out that she’s ready and have her ask God. That never fails.
Also there’s another family that are amazing; the Mother, the daughter and the Granddaughter; they’re all going to get baptized. The daughter Andrea I think is the most involved of the three and the most excited to get baptized but the other two are really starting to feel and recognize the spirit more and that is making the difference. They’ll be in church this Sunday!
Well that’s it; lots of teaching and that’s the way we like it!
Have a great week everyone!
Elder Sands
Also, all is going well here in Miramar! David and Danella are getting ready for the wedding the 24th so that they can get baptized the 25th then they’ll get confirmed the 26th!
Also a girl from the Dominican Republic moved into the branch and her mom is now taking the lessons and she is so ready, the only problem she doesn’t think she’s ready so we’re going to show her that she is ready; well really were going to let her find out that she’s ready and have her ask God. That never fails.
Also there’s another family that are amazing; the Mother, the daughter and the Granddaughter; they’re all going to get baptized. The daughter Andrea I think is the most involved of the three and the most excited to get baptized but the other two are really starting to feel and recognize the spirit more and that is making the difference. They’ll be in church this Sunday!
Well that’s it; lots of teaching and that’s the way we like it!
Have a great week everyone!
Elder Sands
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
This week was once again fantastic! David, Danella, Agustina and Sofia are all learning and asking questions and progressing.
Everything is really working out great. We've got so many people to teach! Just on the way here to use the internet we passed by a guy that is less active that wants us to pass by because he wants to come back!
So we've also been trying to cut down a giant Eucalyptus tree that is in front of the house of David and Danella and its fun to say the least. They're trying to take it out so that they can continue to build their house.
Well the work goes on.
Have a great week everyone and thanks for everything.
Elder Sands
Everything is really working out great. We've got so many people to teach! Just on the way here to use the internet we passed by a guy that is less active that wants us to pass by because he wants to come back!
So we've also been trying to cut down a giant Eucalyptus tree that is in front of the house of David and Danella and its fun to say the least. They're trying to take it out so that they can continue to build their house.
Well the work goes on.
Have a great week everyone and thanks for everything.
Elder Sands
Wednesday, August 26, 2010
First off I'm still here in Miramar and well let's just say that these last 4 months of nothing; well it finally paid off you might say. Our little branch of 20 active members had over fifty on Sunday and we have fechas or a date (I guess it would be) for them to be baptized. Also two other kids of a less active member are going to be getting baptized. Also yesterday I met the most amazing lady. She has lived through it all and she is totally happy because of her faith in God! So as we begin to talk with her and she closes her business to talk in peace. She also said that while we were talking she could just feel the peace that was being transmitted from us! It was needless to say a great lesson.
So the ward is going to have some kind of change that is going to be weird. Well i look forward to finding out what it is. Also SEBRING IS PUTTING IN HIS MISSION PAPERS! Wow how time flies. Well wherever you go the Lord wants you there and you'll be able to make a difference (I hope it's Spanish speaking). Well I'll be here in Miramar for 6 months! That means that I'll be here for a long time! Jajaja
Well anyway thanks for everything and have a great week.
Elder Sands
So the ward is going to have some kind of change that is going to be weird. Well i look forward to finding out what it is. Also SEBRING IS PUTTING IN HIS MISSION PAPERS! Wow how time flies. Well wherever you go the Lord wants you there and you'll be able to make a difference (I hope it's Spanish speaking). Well I'll be here in Miramar for 6 months! That means that I'll be here for a long time! Jajaja
Well anyway thanks for everything and have a great week.
Elder Sands
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
NOTE: 18 NEW PICTURES! CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO THE RIGHT TO VIEW THE PICTURE ALBUM.
Yesterday basically made up for the last month; we taught a new family and a complete family that all want to get baptized! I was like finally! So we taught them about the restoration and they loved it. So now i have to see if i get transferred this weekend or not. I've noticed something as soon as everything starts going really good in an area i was taken out! I don't really know what's going to happen but we'll find out. We've been walking around a ton this last month and so my toe on my right foot was bothering me a lot last Friday so now I’m using these little traditional Argentine shoes until my toe is better it's like it's bruised on top so when i bend my foot it really hurts it but these shoes are like 10 pesos and they’re made of fabric and well they're working for now.
So anyway I have to go now but thanks to everyone for everything and have a great week!
Elders Sands
Yesterday basically made up for the last month; we taught a new family and a complete family that all want to get baptized! I was like finally! So we taught them about the restoration and they loved it. So now i have to see if i get transferred this weekend or not. I've noticed something as soon as everything starts going really good in an area i was taken out! I don't really know what's going to happen but we'll find out. We've been walking around a ton this last month and so my toe on my right foot was bothering me a lot last Friday so now I’m using these little traditional Argentine shoes until my toe is better it's like it's bruised on top so when i bend my foot it really hurts it but these shoes are like 10 pesos and they’re made of fabric and well they're working for now.
So anyway I have to go now but thanks to everyone for everything and have a great week!
Elders Sands
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
This week has been horrible. I'm not going to lie. No one and I mean no one listened to us. We had a whopping 3 lessons last week! Well the Lord, for some reason, wants to try us. It wasn't for lack of work I can assure you all, but when the Lord sends trials, he sends trials. However Monday we had a day that was relatively good. We found the people we we're looking for, like 3 of them! That hasn't happened to me in so long I had forgotten what it was like. We have talked to some great people.
Also something weird; I have always said that there is no area that is a "hard" area, but yesterday, we were in the richest area of Mar del Plata, a huge rich city, and we had tons of people to talk to everywhere and they listened! It was really weird so I'm not really sure what it was. I wasn't doing anything differently but more people listened and these were the rich people that don't usually talk to missionaries. So i don't know but it looks to me as we're working in the wrong parts of Miramar because no one was listening.
Now for the happy part; through all of this I have learned a ton of things that are helping me now and are going to help me for all of my life! That is the way the Lord works. We need trials. If it weren't for those we wouldn't progress at all!
Thanks and have a great day everyone!
Elder Sands
Also something weird; I have always said that there is no area that is a "hard" area, but yesterday, we were in the richest area of Mar del Plata, a huge rich city, and we had tons of people to talk to everywhere and they listened! It was really weird so I'm not really sure what it was. I wasn't doing anything differently but more people listened and these were the rich people that don't usually talk to missionaries. So i don't know but it looks to me as we're working in the wrong parts of Miramar because no one was listening.
Now for the happy part; through all of this I have learned a ton of things that are helping me now and are going to help me for all of my life! That is the way the Lord works. We need trials. If it weren't for those we wouldn't progress at all!
Thanks and have a great day everyone!
Elder Sands
Monday, August 9, 2010
NOTE: 9 NEW PICTURES! CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO THE RIGHT TO VIEW THE PICTURE ALBUM.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
As for the mission life down here the President just kind of put us through a mini MTC. We were learning what they're going to start teaching in the MTC in May.
In Miramar the Lord is putting us on trial right now. Our only investigators work on Sundays and we're not able to do much. Other than that not much is happening. We make a ton of appointments but they're never there and it's really frustration but we're learning a lot together. However I know we're going to come out of this as much better missionaries and we'll be able to help even more people by staying obedient and enduring to the end. So that's what we have to do; do our very best and put ourselves where the Lord can bless us and it's up to him what we get.
Thanks for everything everyone!
Elder Sands
In Miramar the Lord is putting us on trial right now. Our only investigators work on Sundays and we're not able to do much. Other than that not much is happening. We make a ton of appointments but they're never there and it's really frustration but we're learning a lot together. However I know we're going to come out of this as much better missionaries and we'll be able to help even more people by staying obedient and enduring to the end. So that's what we have to do; do our very best and put ourselves where the Lord can bless us and it's up to him what we get.
Thanks for everything everyone!
Elder Sands
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
NOTE: 11 NEW PICTURES THIS WEEK! CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO THE RIGHT TO VIEW THE PICTURE ALBUM.
Well as for this giant capasitation; the changes aren’t really that extreme however they are changing the way that they are going to teach new missionaries. We are getting the new MTC teaching materials and the lessons in 4 days. These changes will take place in the MTC in May of next year. So i think this training is going to help the new missionaries be a lot better than the old training. Apart from that there isn’t much going on; I mean I’m in Bahía Blanca and in an area working for like 3 hours every day and nothing more. It’s really great to see all of these other missionaries that I look up to so much. So that’s really all that’s going on. My new comp is great he’s from Asunción Paraguay and is really a great missionary and he knows a ton for how much time he has in the mission! That’s a huge help to me that’s for sure. We did get to teach Luis but he couldn’t come to church because he had to work so the waiting game continues but he’s really great. He already has a testimony and he wants to be baptized so he’ll just have to wait a little bit longer to do that but he’ll get there. Also we taught a man named Mario on Sunday. I’ve been waiting to teach him for a long time. He’s pretty much is sprit perfect and ready to receive the gospel but he’s got a lot of situational challenges to joining the church because he works almost every Sunday he doesn’t have any support in the family but he’s really great. I really hope that what we taught him is enough for him to get his answer and then from there have the strength from there to be an example to his family and start to receive the fullness of the gospel. Other than that we’ve talked with a ton of people.
One story a little that’s a bit funny I think is we were doing contacts in a busy part of town and we were led by some guy or rather directed to another street to talk to a couple of people so then a police come up and asks us if we have ID well as were taking it out he says into his radio the street corner that we were on and 20 cops show up in like 3 minutes! It was crazy! Nothing happened but none the less it was a little bit unexpected! Well anyway thanks everyone and have a great week!
Elder Sands
Well as for this giant capasitation; the changes aren’t really that extreme however they are changing the way that they are going to teach new missionaries. We are getting the new MTC teaching materials and the lessons in 4 days. These changes will take place in the MTC in May of next year. So i think this training is going to help the new missionaries be a lot better than the old training. Apart from that there isn’t much going on; I mean I’m in Bahía Blanca and in an area working for like 3 hours every day and nothing more. It’s really great to see all of these other missionaries that I look up to so much. So that’s really all that’s going on. My new comp is great he’s from Asunción Paraguay and is really a great missionary and he knows a ton for how much time he has in the mission! That’s a huge help to me that’s for sure. We did get to teach Luis but he couldn’t come to church because he had to work so the waiting game continues but he’s really great. He already has a testimony and he wants to be baptized so he’ll just have to wait a little bit longer to do that but he’ll get there. Also we taught a man named Mario on Sunday. I’ve been waiting to teach him for a long time. He’s pretty much is sprit perfect and ready to receive the gospel but he’s got a lot of situational challenges to joining the church because he works almost every Sunday he doesn’t have any support in the family but he’s really great. I really hope that what we taught him is enough for him to get his answer and then from there have the strength from there to be an example to his family and start to receive the fullness of the gospel. Other than that we’ve talked with a ton of people.
One story a little that’s a bit funny I think is we were doing contacts in a busy part of town and we were led by some guy or rather directed to another street to talk to a couple of people so then a police come up and asks us if we have ID well as were taking it out he says into his radio the street corner that we were on and 20 cops show up in like 3 minutes! It was crazy! Nothing happened but none the less it was a little bit unexpected! Well anyway thanks everyone and have a great week!
Elder Sands
Wednesday, July 20, 2010
This next week that I have to go to Bahía so I'll tell you about it next week.
My new comp is awesome! Elder Vazquez from Asunción Paraguay. We're working like crazy and I'm really enjoying that.
Here in Miramar things are good! We taught a guy named Luis that is great and I really think he's going to get baptized. He works every other Sunday so he'll come this Sunday and then hell be on date officially.
Well sorry it's so short again this ciber is from the dark ages of computers it seems.
Thanks for everything!
Elder Sands
My new comp is awesome! Elder Vazquez from Asunción Paraguay. We're working like crazy and I'm really enjoying that.
Here in Miramar things are good! We taught a guy named Luis that is great and I really think he's going to get baptized. He works every other Sunday so he'll come this Sunday and then hell be on date officially.
Well sorry it's so short again this ciber is from the dark ages of computers it seems.
Thanks for everything!
Elder Sands
Wednesday, July 13, 2010
This week and next week are have and are going to be really different. These past two days I've had a companion from Mar del Plata that is a member because my companion Elder Vázquez from Paraguay is getting here late tomorrow. Then next week I go to Bahía Blanca for a three day training meeting that about half the mission is going to. So now with the change in companions we've done a ton the last two days. It's amazing what you can do when you're with someone who really wants to work! We taught a guy Luis and his son Eziquiel and they ate it all up also there is a reference we got for a guy that is from Nashville.
We're working a lot and well it's great today as we went to Puerto or the big port here in Mar del Plata and I got soaked. There have been a lot of storms the past few days and the waves were really big and man it was crazy on the other side of the giant sea wall that they have here! It was way cool. I also went to the sea lions again. Way fun.
Recently, I was trying to explain to a new convert that we can learn from anyone if we have the spirit. There was a talk that I heard by President Eyring from when he was a seventy called "Listen Together"; great talk. Really, we can learn something from anyone, even those that aren't doing what they preach. If it's something good that is coming out of their mouths, we should listen and apply it to us. And it doesn't matter how young or old they are either. I'm going to try and get a copy in Spanish for him.
Well I have to go but thank you all for everything and have a great week!
Elder Sands
We're working a lot and well it's great today as we went to Puerto or the big port here in Mar del Plata and I got soaked. There have been a lot of storms the past few days and the waves were really big and man it was crazy on the other side of the giant sea wall that they have here! It was way cool. I also went to the sea lions again. Way fun.
Recently, I was trying to explain to a new convert that we can learn from anyone if we have the spirit. There was a talk that I heard by President Eyring from when he was a seventy called "Listen Together"; great talk. Really, we can learn something from anyone, even those that aren't doing what they preach. If it's something good that is coming out of their mouths, we should listen and apply it to us. And it doesn't matter how young or old they are either. I'm going to try and get a copy in Spanish for him.
Well I have to go but thank you all for everything and have a great week!
Elder Sands
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
NOTE: 14 NEW PICTURES THIS WEEK! CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO THE RIGHT TO VIEW THE PICTURE ALBUM.
Wow lots of stuff happening back home! So first off, Happy birthday Dad! Thanks so much for everything. I don't think i told you this but as this last general conference was all about the families I noticed a lot of things that you and mom have done to bless our lives with the blessings of the gospel. Especially when Elder Bednar said bear testimony spontaneously, I thought, that is so dad! Thank you so much!
So as for down here lots and lots of rain! Lots and lots up very upset argentines; the fact that they lost hurt them a lot and the fact that they lost 4 to 0 was even more of an ego blow for them so there's like a sadness that you can feel. As for the work, it's going. We have many investigators but we have the problem of getting them to church and there are a lot of them that have great ties with this one family of less-actives members. If we could activate them, a lot of people would get baptized with their help. So we now have a bit more information on why they stopped going and it's understandable, so we have something prepared to give them that should help them come back and understand some things.
Well apart from all these things going on, as usually there is lots of walking, lots of talking and lots of people that need the truth.
Thanks everyone and have a great week!
Elder Sands
Wow lots of stuff happening back home! So first off, Happy birthday Dad! Thanks so much for everything. I don't think i told you this but as this last general conference was all about the families I noticed a lot of things that you and mom have done to bless our lives with the blessings of the gospel. Especially when Elder Bednar said bear testimony spontaneously, I thought, that is so dad! Thank you so much!
So as for down here lots and lots of rain! Lots and lots up very upset argentines; the fact that they lost hurt them a lot and the fact that they lost 4 to 0 was even more of an ego blow for them so there's like a sadness that you can feel. As for the work, it's going. We have many investigators but we have the problem of getting them to church and there are a lot of them that have great ties with this one family of less-actives members. If we could activate them, a lot of people would get baptized with their help. So we now have a bit more information on why they stopped going and it's understandable, so we have something prepared to give them that should help them come back and understand some things.
Well apart from all these things going on, as usually there is lots of walking, lots of talking and lots of people that need the truth.
Thanks everyone and have a great week!
Elder Sands
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
NOTE: 9 NEW PICTURES THIS WEEK! CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO THE RIGHT TO VIEW THE PICTURE ALBUM.
That guy that I mentioned that was way excited, well he and his wife are amazing. It's something incredible to see those that the Lord has prepared to receive his message. They truly have been prepared. So much of the time we're working with people that aren't really prepared. That's when this family come along; it's just seems so easy really. Also he has a prosthetic leg from his thigh down and he has family members that are already members. We found him in the house of some less actives members that we were teaching and we just started teaching him. He was there the next time with his wife and same thing happened with her, she loved it and asked a lot of questions.
Well the computer just lost it and I lost a bunch of time. I have to go but talk to you all next week.
Elder Sands
That guy that I mentioned that was way excited, well he and his wife are amazing. It's something incredible to see those that the Lord has prepared to receive his message. They truly have been prepared. So much of the time we're working with people that aren't really prepared. That's when this family come along; it's just seems so easy really. Also he has a prosthetic leg from his thigh down and he has family members that are already members. We found him in the house of some less actives members that we were teaching and we just started teaching him. He was there the next time with his wife and same thing happened with her, she loved it and asked a lot of questions.
Well the computer just lost it and I lost a bunch of time. I have to go but talk to you all next week.
Elder Sands
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Well as for what's going on down here; its World Cup time and it's in full swing. I saw a bit of the USA game today; wow can you say last minute. We had just walked into an investigaters home as it was ending, so my comp and I were pretty content with the win. The people down here are really happy because Argentina is doing so well. If they win we'll have a lot of happy argentines to talk to, but right now when argentina plays, there's nothing we can do as the entire country shuts down!
My companion is Elder Sean Carter. He's an amazing piano player. I've learned from him that I'm not very patiant at all. He reminds me that I don't know anything and I'm not that great. It helps to be humbled and I need that.
It's starting to get cold down here and then I come to learn that Acea is starting in on the swim team! I kind of miss swimming especially because I'm here at the ocean!
So this last week we taught this guy. We told him that there are prophets today. He got so excited! I couldn't quite believe it! We also found this other lady that has a date to get baptized the 24th of July. For causes of work it's a little bit difficult for her to make it to church, but she's great and hopefully she'll be able to make it the next time. Her name is Maria Laura.
Well i hope everyone has a great week enjoy the sun and warm temperatures!
Chao!
Elder Sands
My companion is Elder Sean Carter. He's an amazing piano player. I've learned from him that I'm not very patiant at all. He reminds me that I don't know anything and I'm not that great. It helps to be humbled and I need that.
It's starting to get cold down here and then I come to learn that Acea is starting in on the swim team! I kind of miss swimming especially because I'm here at the ocean!
So this last week we taught this guy. We told him that there are prophets today. He got so excited! I couldn't quite believe it! We also found this other lady that has a date to get baptized the 24th of July. For causes of work it's a little bit difficult for her to make it to church, but she's great and hopefully she'll be able to make it the next time. Her name is Maria Laura.
Well i hope everyone has a great week enjoy the sun and warm temperatures!
Chao!
Elder Sands
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Wow, I don’t believe it; the missionaries living in the house! I just hope there’s room for me when I get back!
Zone conference was yesterday and it was fantastic! Presidente Detlefsen as always was able to motivate us a lot and to be able to get us pumped.
As for investigators we have one lady that we contacted because her granddaughter wants her to stop smoking so we taught her and well she was finally able to come to church. She’s a nurse and never has Sundays off so she’s on vacations now but says that she might be able to get Sundays off every so often to come because she loves it. She’s named Estella Maris. So apart from that, the German who has come to church, we think for years, is finally getting married! There are always gigantic problems with divorces so sometimes they have to wait years and so lots of people just simply aren’t marred even though they have families and such. So they should be getting married within a month or so and afterwords he’s going to get baptized! His wife is already a member and so are the kids great family and it’ll be great to see him be able to progress now that he’s going to be a full out member and get the priesthood. So such is the life in Argentina.
It is a little bit more complicated right now because of the world cup. When Argentina plays the whole country shuts down completely! I mean no one anywhere in the entire city. In Mar del Plata there were missionaries that live in front of a way busy street and they say not one soul for the entire duration of the game! Crazy! Well anyway I have to say it some where “Go USA” hahaha.
Have a great week everyone!
Elder Sands
Zone conference was yesterday and it was fantastic! Presidente Detlefsen as always was able to motivate us a lot and to be able to get us pumped.
As for investigators we have one lady that we contacted because her granddaughter wants her to stop smoking so we taught her and well she was finally able to come to church. She’s a nurse and never has Sundays off so she’s on vacations now but says that she might be able to get Sundays off every so often to come because she loves it. She’s named Estella Maris. So apart from that, the German who has come to church, we think for years, is finally getting married! There are always gigantic problems with divorces so sometimes they have to wait years and so lots of people just simply aren’t marred even though they have families and such. So they should be getting married within a month or so and afterwords he’s going to get baptized! His wife is already a member and so are the kids great family and it’ll be great to see him be able to progress now that he’s going to be a full out member and get the priesthood. So such is the life in Argentina.
It is a little bit more complicated right now because of the world cup. When Argentina plays the whole country shuts down completely! I mean no one anywhere in the entire city. In Mar del Plata there were missionaries that live in front of a way busy street and they say not one soul for the entire duration of the game! Crazy! Well anyway I have to say it some where “Go USA” hahaha.
Have a great week everyone!
Elder Sands
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
I’m been having some computer issues and have had to get some things off to the Mission President so this letter will be a bit short. But I’ll share a quick thought. Moses in the book of Moses is shown the power and glory of God and that power and glory is incredible. It made me ponder on the thought that we’re nothing next to him, nothing. But, we’re his children and although I don’t understand the love that parents have for their children, I do know it’s strong and His love is perfect. So with all of us, he lets us see a portion of his works and his power. He then leaves us to our own means to an extent, with His help, to be tempted and tried. Then if we overcome the evil one, we see so much more, receive so much more of His power and glory, and we ourselves through these experiences, and through Him, become perfected (Moses 1-great chapter).
Anyway have a great week everyone!
Elder Sands
Anyway have a great week everyone!
Elder Sands
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
NOTE: 18 NEW PICTURES THIS WEEK! CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO THE RIGHT TO VIEW THE PICTURE ALBUM.
Well due to setting up a new way to transfer pictures, writing a long letter to my mission president I have very very little time left, but I have to pass on that Mauro got baptized. He is awesome in everything! We all need to be like Mauro.
Elder Sands
Well due to setting up a new way to transfer pictures, writing a long letter to my mission president I have very very little time left, but I have to pass on that Mauro got baptized. He is awesome in everything! We all need to be like Mauro.
Elder Sands
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Thank you so much for sending the thoughts from Grandma's funeral, they were really nice! It's so true too; she obviously was an excellent mother because, well she raised Mom and she turned out all right! Jajaja Love you mom! Wow, so now I don't have any living grandparents or great; that's sort of sobering to think about. And wow, Chloe looks so different! And Sebring you need to cut your hair! Jajaja
Well as for things going on here: yesterday was the 200th anniversary of the first attack on the Spanish here in Argentina to kick them out and it was a huge celebration! They made the biggest flag in the world here in Miramar, well the longest and wow it was long. How long I don't remember and I didn't see it but some members were telling me about it.
It's been raining a ton here! There is mud everywhere! It's pretty annoying and one set of shoes are kind of wrecked out a little bit so I used the doc martins and well I'm glad I have them because they're great for the mud.
So Mauro is getting baptized on Saturday! He's so good. We went over the baptismal interview questions yesterday with him and he's so ready!
So it sounds like all is well in Spokane. I could use some summer like conditions; it's just rains and rains and rains some more! Walking the streets with all of this mud that I was telling you about is really an interesting task!
Well I have to go now but thanks for everything!
Elder Sands
Well as for things going on here: yesterday was the 200th anniversary of the first attack on the Spanish here in Argentina to kick them out and it was a huge celebration! They made the biggest flag in the world here in Miramar, well the longest and wow it was long. How long I don't remember and I didn't see it but some members were telling me about it.
It's been raining a ton here! There is mud everywhere! It's pretty annoying and one set of shoes are kind of wrecked out a little bit so I used the doc martins and well I'm glad I have them because they're great for the mud.
So Mauro is getting baptized on Saturday! He's so good. We went over the baptismal interview questions yesterday with him and he's so ready!
So it sounds like all is well in Spokane. I could use some summer like conditions; it's just rains and rains and rains some more! Walking the streets with all of this mud that I was telling you about is really an interesting task!
Well I have to go now but thanks for everything!
Elder Sands
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
So sorry, I don’t have very much time today. I have a bunch of stuff to write to the Mission President about but I'll share one experience.
There’s a guy that’s here that is incredible. He’s going to be getting baptized on the 29th of this month and he’s just so prepared. Even better, he’s 22. So we’re going to start talking to him about going on a mission. His name is Mauro Chapa and he’s the family member of a member that lives out here. He’s really excited to learn and well, he’s great. I really got to go.
Chao! Elder Sands
There’s a guy that’s here that is incredible. He’s going to be getting baptized on the 29th of this month and he’s just so prepared. Even better, he’s 22. So we’re going to start talking to him about going on a mission. His name is Mauro Chapa and he’s the family member of a member that lives out here. He’s really excited to learn and well, he’s great. I really got to go.
Chao! Elder Sands
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Well this week was pretty awesome. First I had zone conference and it was kind of weird. All of the workshops that the missionaries gave were so-so. However, President Detlefsen talked for a long time and it was amazing! I can't believe (actually I can) how every time, he knows exactly what I need to hear. I'm really going to try changing stuff that I do for personal study; so I can learn more and help my investigators more as well. So zone conference was amazing.
Also we had interviews and the President had us prepare a sheet that had challenges that we have had, blessings that we have had, goals we have and other similar things. We got to talk a little bit about that and it helped me out a lot with some of the things that I was struggling with.
Sunday morning an investigator that we have came to us and said he wanted to get baptized. He went to church on Sunday and he's going to be getting baptized the 29th of May! He's really excited and he understands everything! He also already has a testimony of the Book of Mormon and the church and the prophet Joseph Smith! So he's awesome.
Also on Sunday, it being Mother's Day, I got to talk with the family! It was kind of weird; I'm not going to lie to talk to them again. They also told me that Acea is now taller than Sebring, how weird!
Well today we went and saw sea lions. They are the nastiest creatures I've ever smelt! They were so bad I was gagging! Not the most pleasant but we took a whole bunch of pictures of the sea in Mar del Plata as a district and wow is was fun. We then we went and had an asado which is like a barbeque but argie style; really good.
Well anyway I wanted to share a thought from the zone conference. The President referred to something that he noticed in 1 Nefi Chapter 2. They talk about how they left their home. They left everything to go to the desert which has nothing! They were obedient and when they found water what do they do, they give thanks because they now had water. They probably didn't give thanks when they were in their home because it was something mundane that they had all of the time but now they realized what the Lord gave them so they gave thanks. How many times do we forget to give thanks for the mundane things in life? Probably too often so I'm trying to focus a little bit more on the things that I take for granted and give thanks to the Lord!
Well thanks and have a great week everyone.
Elder Sands
Also we had interviews and the President had us prepare a sheet that had challenges that we have had, blessings that we have had, goals we have and other similar things. We got to talk a little bit about that and it helped me out a lot with some of the things that I was struggling with.
Sunday morning an investigator that we have came to us and said he wanted to get baptized. He went to church on Sunday and he's going to be getting baptized the 29th of May! He's really excited and he understands everything! He also already has a testimony of the Book of Mormon and the church and the prophet Joseph Smith! So he's awesome.
Also on Sunday, it being Mother's Day, I got to talk with the family! It was kind of weird; I'm not going to lie to talk to them again. They also told me that Acea is now taller than Sebring, how weird!
Well today we went and saw sea lions. They are the nastiest creatures I've ever smelt! They were so bad I was gagging! Not the most pleasant but we took a whole bunch of pictures of the sea in Mar del Plata as a district and wow is was fun. We then we went and had an asado which is like a barbeque but argie style; really good.
Well anyway I wanted to share a thought from the zone conference. The President referred to something that he noticed in 1 Nefi Chapter 2. They talk about how they left their home. They left everything to go to the desert which has nothing! They were obedient and when they found water what do they do, they give thanks because they now had water. They probably didn't give thanks when they were in their home because it was something mundane that they had all of the time but now they realized what the Lord gave them so they gave thanks. How many times do we forget to give thanks for the mundane things in life? Probably too often so I'm trying to focus a little bit more on the things that I take for granted and give thanks to the Lord!
Well thanks and have a great week everyone.
Elder Sands
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
NOTE: 11 NEW PICTURES THIS WEEK! CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO THE RIGHT TO VIEW THE PICTURE ALBUM.
I heard from Sister Jones that a ton of General Authorities have been up there in Spokane! Crazy and all while I’m gone! It’s alright though, I have my own share. We had Stake conference; yeah stake conference, my first one since being on a mission. Anyway it was attended by Elder Sergio Avila. He, in the session for the adults (the best meeting I’ve ever been to in the church every time!) he talked about the plan of salvation. He explained things in a very different kind of way that just put more depth to the plan. One scripture he read was in D&C 93:33-34. The plan of salvation is so perfect our Heavenly Father knows what we need in order to be perfectly happy and he’s provided the way for us to obtain that. All we have to do is our part not because that’s the way he wants it, but because that is what we need to do to apply the atonement in our lives. That is how things are; those are the laws of heaven, and not even God can break them, because he made them. He loves us so much and so does our Savior! How blessed we are to know about all of this!
Well thanks so much for everything, chao, and we’ll talk Sunday!
Elder Sands
I heard from Sister Jones that a ton of General Authorities have been up there in Spokane! Crazy and all while I’m gone! It’s alright though, I have my own share. We had Stake conference; yeah stake conference, my first one since being on a mission. Anyway it was attended by Elder Sergio Avila. He, in the session for the adults (the best meeting I’ve ever been to in the church every time!) he talked about the plan of salvation. He explained things in a very different kind of way that just put more depth to the plan. One scripture he read was in D&C 93:33-34. The plan of salvation is so perfect our Heavenly Father knows what we need in order to be perfectly happy and he’s provided the way for us to obtain that. All we have to do is our part not because that’s the way he wants it, but because that is what we need to do to apply the atonement in our lives. That is how things are; those are the laws of heaven, and not even God can break them, because he made them. He loves us so much and so does our Savior! How blessed we are to know about all of this!
Well thanks so much for everything, chao, and we’ll talk Sunday!
Elder Sands
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Today for P-day we were out here in Miramar alone and so we walked the beach. We’re allowed to do it during the winter and we had a ton of fun. We saw a bunch of really cool stuff; we even saw a penguin! It was awesome. Next week I’ll write a lot more. I’m sorry pictures speak a thousand words so I’m trying to get those up but the computers are giving me problems and we got here really late today because my companion doesn’t know his way around and I have like only 5 days here so even less me.
Well thanks for all of your support and love and have a great week. chou!
Elder Sands
Well thanks for all of your support and love and have a great week. chou!
Elder Sands
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
I'm now writing from Mar del Plata, a huge city that is well right on the ocean which is horrible. It makes me miss swimming but it’s absolutely beautiful. I'm in Mar del Plata right now for P-day but I’ve been transferred and I am now assigned to Miramar which translated means look at the ocean. Yeah and that's what it's like too. It is fairly big and it has an amazing beach. We're allowed to go there right now because no one is ever down there. It's a small branch and the only branch in this stake. Yep, I'm not in a district anymore but I happen to get the only branch in the stake, funny I think.
Well Ivan got baptized! He’s so great. His family I think will follow him with time also there is another family that went that will get baptized; they're well on their way.
Here in Miramar we have some investigators but not many. One kid is going to get baptized supposedly Sunday but I still have to see if he's been taught enough. Well that's pretty much all for right now. I have to go because we had to navigate this giant city and my comp Elder Carter from Utah, nor I, know anything or much about the busses and such. So we finally figured out what we were going to do but now we're going to be late. So such is life. Alright, love all of you and have a great week and hopefully pictures will be coming, chou!
Elder Sands
Well Ivan got baptized! He’s so great. His family I think will follow him with time also there is another family that went that will get baptized; they're well on their way.
Here in Miramar we have some investigators but not many. One kid is going to get baptized supposedly Sunday but I still have to see if he's been taught enough. Well that's pretty much all for right now. I have to go because we had to navigate this giant city and my comp Elder Carter from Utah, nor I, know anything or much about the busses and such. So we finally figured out what we were going to do but now we're going to be late. So such is life. Alright, love all of you and have a great week and hopefully pictures will be coming, chou!
Elder Sands
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Everything is good down here in Olavarría. We should be having a baptism this weekend! It's Ivan the son of the lady from the kiosko. She is probably going to follow her son not too long afterward. Also we've found a ton of great people this last two weeks or so. There's a family that is complete with 6 kids that are amazing the father lived in the states for 20 years speaks English very well too. Anyway the other people with whom he mostly grew up with are all members so we found his wife in the street. We talked with her and well we took out an appointment. And they're pretty much golden. The only thing is they live really close to another church building but they're part of our branch so it's a little bit interesting getting them to church. Also there are some women that all have kids and were all separated for bad relationships so we're teaching them and they felt the peace that the Book of Mormon brings when they read it so we're trying to get them to church too this weekend.
So all in all a good week, we'll see what the next one has in store! Thanks for everything and Sister Jones I got your letter just a little bit ago, I'll answer it next week! chou!
Elder Sands
So all in all a good week, we'll see what the next one has in store! Thanks for everything and Sister Jones I got your letter just a little bit ago, I'll answer it next week! chou!
Elder Sands
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Conference; I love conference! A few interesting things; first I got to watch it in English and wow I love the gospel! Funny note I was in that same room as I was in the last conference and I saw someone that was with me in that room six months ago in the choir from Saturday afternoon! I loved Elder Holland's talk. He gives us at the end the guidelines to avoid all sin in our lives, that was awesome. Also President Uchtdorf's talk from priesthood about patience, I wish I would have heard that one in the MTC it would have helped me a lot but wow it's so true we have to be so much more patient! Amazing conference and so many talked about the family. I think I know what the Lord wants us to focus on! Wow I'm so animated!
Here in Argentina it was a little bit weird because we have to watch it later. The priesthood session went until eleven and that's past my bedtime! Jajaja. All of you that didn't get the chance to listen to conference; do it. It will bless your life in so many ways if we follow those things they say. We'll be happier, I can testify to that.
Have a great week everyone! chou!
Elder Sands
Here in Argentina it was a little bit weird because we have to watch it later. The priesthood session went until eleven and that's past my bedtime! Jajaja. All of you that didn't get the chance to listen to conference; do it. It will bless your life in so many ways if we follow those things they say. We'll be happier, I can testify to that.
Have a great week everyone! chou!
Elder Sands
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
This week was really good we did a ton of work! We found a lot of great people too. This Monday we found the mother of a less active Young man and her and her neighbor are now taking the lessons and we have a lesson with them in an hour from now. Also we have this other lady that we talked with Monday night that you could just see the hunger as we talked to her about the church and the Book of Mormon and such. We won't be teaching her for a while for her work and such but we'll see how it goes with her. We're going to have to go by and invite her to General Conference. We also have someone who actually has a date set to get baptized. It's a great story. First off all of the stores in Argentina to buy food in are really small corner shops type of thing so we have four within about 2 blocks of us. All of them except one were closed a little while ago because of vacations but the one that was open we went to buy some food and after we had bought the food the lady at the counter said, "Elder". Our ears kind of perked up like a dog that hears a whistle and she says, "What does my son have to do to get baptized?" We'll we told her that we would like to come back when she was available and tell her all about it. So a little while later we do that. The son, Ivan is his name, comes to church and now he's going to be getting baptized the 10th of April. His mother Lidia isn't married and for that reason alone isn't already baptized so we're trying to work with her on that. They're also going to come to conference this weekend too.
Speaking of which I'm so excited for! We have it here at 1 in the afternoon and at 5 and priesthood at 9. So kind of late but I'm really excited to go and bring a lot of people too! Well everyone enjoy conference. It's the most wonderful time of the year hahaha. It's really something amazing to have a living prophet, a living church. We enjoy so many blessings that others just don't have in their lives. Conference is one of the best ways to find out what we need to do to avoid a lot of heartache and misery by following what the prophet and apostles say!
Well have a great week chou!
Elder Sands
Speaking of which I'm so excited for! We have it here at 1 in the afternoon and at 5 and priesthood at 9. So kind of late but I'm really excited to go and bring a lot of people too! Well everyone enjoy conference. It's the most wonderful time of the year hahaha. It's really something amazing to have a living prophet, a living church. We enjoy so many blessings that others just don't have in their lives. Conference is one of the best ways to find out what we need to do to avoid a lot of heartache and misery by following what the prophet and apostles say!
Well have a great week chou!
Elder Sands
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
NOTE: DUE TO THE SHORTAGE OF TIME AND THE PERSONAL NATURE OF THIS WEEKS EMAIL THERE WILL BE NO BLOG ENTRY FROM ELDER SANDS THIS WEEK.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
As so many have reminded me, I have arrived at my hump day, well tomorrow really, but some have asked me to put together some thoughts of sorts about this year down here in Argentina.
Well as all missionaries will say, I've loved it, although some of it wasn't exactly the easiest, still I have enjoyed it all. A mission is something very unique. We have all types of experiences; it's really like a roller coaster. We involve ourselves so much in what we do, and in who we talk with, that we really forget about ourselves. When that happens, we see the miracles in the work. I've seen many miracles in the course of my mission and I know the best is still in store. I don't know exactly how, but I know I'm a better person than I was when I left. I can tell I'm doing more, I feel the spirit more and I wish I could show you all everything that's been happening.
There are so many people here that need the gospel and when someone who was looking for it finally finds it, or someone who didn't know they were looking for it finds it, it's the best. You see the hope in their eyes and the spirit touches their hearts.
So now for the other half of my mission. I sincere hope is to use everything I've learned and apply it all to what I'm doing. I hope to help every person I can and every person that will let me.
Thank you all so much for your support and your love. I know Heavenly Father loves us and he wants the very very best for us. For that reason he sent his son to suffer for us so that we might one day live with him again. Jesus Christ is the Son of God and he loves us more than we can even imagine. The book of Mormon is the word of God. I know that for myself because of the things the spirit tells me when I read it. It really does contain the fullness of the gospel and when we abide by its precepts we really do come closer to God. Joseph Smith was a prophet of God sent by him to restore his church upon the earth and to translate the Book of Mormon. We now have a prophet, Thomas S. Monson, who leads and guides this church under the direct direction of the Savior. I know all of this without a doubt and that's why I'm out here; helping the people of Argentina come to that same knowledge.
Thank you all again for your love and support!
Elder Sands
Well as all missionaries will say, I've loved it, although some of it wasn't exactly the easiest, still I have enjoyed it all. A mission is something very unique. We have all types of experiences; it's really like a roller coaster. We involve ourselves so much in what we do, and in who we talk with, that we really forget about ourselves. When that happens, we see the miracles in the work. I've seen many miracles in the course of my mission and I know the best is still in store. I don't know exactly how, but I know I'm a better person than I was when I left. I can tell I'm doing more, I feel the spirit more and I wish I could show you all everything that's been happening.
There are so many people here that need the gospel and when someone who was looking for it finally finds it, or someone who didn't know they were looking for it finds it, it's the best. You see the hope in their eyes and the spirit touches their hearts.
So now for the other half of my mission. I sincere hope is to use everything I've learned and apply it all to what I'm doing. I hope to help every person I can and every person that will let me.
Thank you all so much for your support and your love. I know Heavenly Father loves us and he wants the very very best for us. For that reason he sent his son to suffer for us so that we might one day live with him again. Jesus Christ is the Son of God and he loves us more than we can even imagine. The book of Mormon is the word of God. I know that for myself because of the things the spirit tells me when I read it. It really does contain the fullness of the gospel and when we abide by its precepts we really do come closer to God. Joseph Smith was a prophet of God sent by him to restore his church upon the earth and to translate the Book of Mormon. We now have a prophet, Thomas S. Monson, who leads and guides this church under the direct direction of the Savior. I know all of this without a doubt and that's why I'm out here; helping the people of Argentina come to that same knowledge.
Thank you all again for your love and support!
Elder Sands
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
NOTE: 13 NEW PICTURES THIS WEEK! CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO THE RIGHT TO VIEW THE PICTURE ALBUM.
It's amazing what the Lord will do for his servants. I read a letter sent by the wife of the mission President of the Santiago East Mission. Just incredible! Many good principles.
Well transfers happened and I'm still here in independencia Olavarría so I'll have been here for six months. My companion is Elder McGahan from Utah. It's always a little weird to get a new companion. Everyone is so different and have different ways of doing things. It's always a bit of a challenge to change like that because you get comfortable with the same things but that isn't always good for the work. I'm excited to try and work in a different ways this transfer. We'll see how it goes.
As for investigators, same old story. People go to church that don't want to get baptized and all those that want to get baptized don't go to church. However, some people's schedules should be a little bit more open right now so we'll see if we can't try to see if there's anything with them now. We're going to be trying a lot of new ideas this transfer so I'll tell you all how it goes.
Have a great week and I have a challenge for you all; talk to someone who's not a member or who doesn't go, about the blessings they can receive from listening to the missionaries or going to church. You'll be doing them and yourselves a huge favor!
Chou, Elder Sands
It's amazing what the Lord will do for his servants. I read a letter sent by the wife of the mission President of the Santiago East Mission. Just incredible! Many good principles.
Well transfers happened and I'm still here in independencia Olavarría so I'll have been here for six months. My companion is Elder McGahan from Utah. It's always a little weird to get a new companion. Everyone is so different and have different ways of doing things. It's always a bit of a challenge to change like that because you get comfortable with the same things but that isn't always good for the work. I'm excited to try and work in a different ways this transfer. We'll see how it goes.
As for investigators, same old story. People go to church that don't want to get baptized and all those that want to get baptized don't go to church. However, some people's schedules should be a little bit more open right now so we'll see if we can't try to see if there's anything with them now. We're going to be trying a lot of new ideas this transfer so I'll tell you all how it goes.
Have a great week and I have a challenge for you all; talk to someone who's not a member or who doesn't go, about the blessings they can receive from listening to the missionaries or going to church. You'll be doing them and yourselves a huge favor!
Chou, Elder Sands
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
To start off I don't think I ever answered the question of Kayte Marx. The mission is really the best two years of my life even though I don't haven't been out two years yet. I love it! It's not the easiest nor the funniest but it is the best, absolutely!
Also to Sister Jones, I just got your letters from January and February and thanks and yes my companion is a really hard worker. In fact he has gone through 6 pairs of shoes. I don't have such bad luck as I'm still on my first but they are a little worn out.
My mission president said something wise, that to measure the success of a missionary is to see where he and the ones he's baptized are spiritually ten years after the mission. So I won't really know for a while just how successful I am, but I'm working on everything I can so that I can say, according to this measure, that I was a successful missionary.
This week, well I'm not going to lie, it could have been better. It was a lot of bad timing and not being in the area. That never helps of course but we're hoping we can get people to church. That is really the only hard part for these people. There are tons of people who we can teach and they'll know that the Book of Mormon and the Church are true but they still won't want to go. If it weren't for that, half of Argentina would already be members, but that's the challenge. As for investigadores well that are coming to church we don't have anyone that isn't waiting for something. One family, flia Villar, still needs to be taught a lot and the others need to get married and another is waiting for a brother to get back on track so he can baptize her or just doesn't want to. That's really it right now. We'll really have to start over with new people next week.
As for the earthquake in Chile, well nothing here happened. I guess going across the country of Chile, across the Andes and then going another 700 miles was just too far the effects to be felt. But there are a couple of missionaries in my zone that their families that were greatly affected. And we do however have two chilanos and one of her family lost everything and she was saying everything! That's sad but everyone here is fine.
Oh transfers, I'll find out what happens this Friday so we'll see who my comp will be and or if I go.
Well thanks, Chou!
Elder Sands
Also to Sister Jones, I just got your letters from January and February and thanks and yes my companion is a really hard worker. In fact he has gone through 6 pairs of shoes. I don't have such bad luck as I'm still on my first but they are a little worn out.
My mission president said something wise, that to measure the success of a missionary is to see where he and the ones he's baptized are spiritually ten years after the mission. So I won't really know for a while just how successful I am, but I'm working on everything I can so that I can say, according to this measure, that I was a successful missionary.
This week, well I'm not going to lie, it could have been better. It was a lot of bad timing and not being in the area. That never helps of course but we're hoping we can get people to church. That is really the only hard part for these people. There are tons of people who we can teach and they'll know that the Book of Mormon and the Church are true but they still won't want to go. If it weren't for that, half of Argentina would already be members, but that's the challenge. As for investigadores well that are coming to church we don't have anyone that isn't waiting for something. One family, flia Villar, still needs to be taught a lot and the others need to get married and another is waiting for a brother to get back on track so he can baptize her or just doesn't want to. That's really it right now. We'll really have to start over with new people next week.
As for the earthquake in Chile, well nothing here happened. I guess going across the country of Chile, across the Andes and then going another 700 miles was just too far the effects to be felt. But there are a couple of missionaries in my zone that their families that were greatly affected. And we do however have two chilanos and one of her family lost everything and she was saying everything! That's sad but everyone here is fine.
Oh transfers, I'll find out what happens this Friday so we'll see who my comp will be and or if I go.
Well thanks, Chou!
Elder Sands
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
This week I have to notes ummm sorry things about news two things of news que sé yo i don’t know English anymore. So first of all there aren’t supermarkets in Argentina well not really. But the 4 kisocos in our area are all on vacations except one so we went there and the lady who was working said hay elder I want my kid to get baptized he’s got 11 years and so what do I have to do or does he have to do to get baptized? Can you say miracle! We were a little bit surprised by that. Pleasantly surprised. We also got stopped in the street Monday by a lady that had a ton of questions that she wants to ask us and when she gets that answer she’s going to realize that this church is something more than just another church. It’s like my mission president said, when we get the answers to the questions of our souls that’s were the conversion happens.
So also the second Wal-Mart in the mission opened and we got to go and yeah it’s outside my area by like 2 blocks so it’s pretty cool yes for all of you that know about my little thing about Wal-Mart well right now it’s the only place I can get grape juice that isn’t wine. That’s all they have down here oh and also peanut butter, also something that doesn’t exist down here. It’s kind of funny down here they’re pretty darn expensive!
Well I’m running out of time so I’ll have to say chou!
The church is true! Elder Sands
So also the second Wal-Mart in the mission opened and we got to go and yeah it’s outside my area by like 2 blocks so it’s pretty cool yes for all of you that know about my little thing about Wal-Mart well right now it’s the only place I can get grape juice that isn’t wine. That’s all they have down here oh and also peanut butter, also something that doesn’t exist down here. It’s kind of funny down here they’re pretty darn expensive!
Well I’m running out of time so I’ll have to say chou!
The church is true! Elder Sands
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
NOTE: 22 NEW PICTURES THIS WEEK! CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO THE RIGHT TO VIEW THE PICTURE ALBUM.
This week was great we had Zone Conference and as always it was really inspiring. I really wish that we could have them more often. I learned a ton of stuff that I'm trying to incorporate more in the stuff i do as a missionary.
Also this week we had someone that we were working with a little bit and kind of gave up on her but she showed up to church out of the blue! We were pretty excited about that. She is from a less active family that really are great and they all want to come back but they've just been wrapped up in stuff that they can't easily get out of now.
So I heard the Olympics have started up, that's pretty cool. This year is something that is huge for Argentina, the World cup. Soccer of course is huge here and Argentina is in it again although they supposedly don't have a very good shot at winning still it's going to be really interesting when it comes around to seeing what preaching is going to be like. When the national team plays, the whole country shuts down and no one is out or doing anything except watching the game! It's crazy!
Well this week we're going to try a few new things to get people excited to go to church and we'll see how it works.
Well thanks for everything!
Elder Sands
This week was great we had Zone Conference and as always it was really inspiring. I really wish that we could have them more often. I learned a ton of stuff that I'm trying to incorporate more in the stuff i do as a missionary.
Also this week we had someone that we were working with a little bit and kind of gave up on her but she showed up to church out of the blue! We were pretty excited about that. She is from a less active family that really are great and they all want to come back but they've just been wrapped up in stuff that they can't easily get out of now.
So I heard the Olympics have started up, that's pretty cool. This year is something that is huge for Argentina, the World cup. Soccer of course is huge here and Argentina is in it again although they supposedly don't have a very good shot at winning still it's going to be really interesting when it comes around to seeing what preaching is going to be like. When the national team plays, the whole country shuts down and no one is out or doing anything except watching the game! It's crazy!
Well this week we're going to try a few new things to get people excited to go to church and we'll see how it works.
Well thanks for everything!
Elder Sands
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
This week was another one of those that just wasn't the best. We had set almost 30 appointments and almost every single one fell though; all but one. O well such is the work. Yesterday however we found some interested people, actually really interested, so we're going to start teaching them.
What's really interesting is that during my mission sometimes it just seems that about everything goes wrong and nothing seems to be working out, but you just pick yourself up and pretty much always that's when I see the best results is after a hard day or a hard week. So I'm now starting to see those people that really are ready to be taught. As for specific people we're teaching a ton of people that all have questions, it's just finding them that seems to be the problem.
We're just getting out of vacations and there's a lot of stuff going on right now for the summer so when we can find them, their great, but when we can't, we just have to wait.
Well we have Zone Conference Friday, so I can't wait! They're always so inspiring!
Well thanks for everything!
Elder Sands
What's really interesting is that during my mission sometimes it just seems that about everything goes wrong and nothing seems to be working out, but you just pick yourself up and pretty much always that's when I see the best results is after a hard day or a hard week. So I'm now starting to see those people that really are ready to be taught. As for specific people we're teaching a ton of people that all have questions, it's just finding them that seems to be the problem.
We're just getting out of vacations and there's a lot of stuff going on right now for the summer so when we can find them, their great, but when we can't, we just have to wait.
Well we have Zone Conference Friday, so I can't wait! They're always so inspiring!
Well thanks for everything!
Elder Sands
Wednesday, February, 3, 2010
This week was amazing! Probably the best in terms of work that I've had until this point in the mission. It's amazing what you can do when you're really organized.
As for investigators, the family Villar still haven't gotten baptized, but not for a lack of wanting to, just because they are never home for us to teach them. So we're just going incredibly slow, well at least for this mission. They've already been to church 8 times! That's unheard of down here to have them go that many times. They love the church and know its true and the Book of Mormon too and all of that and not get baptized really fast, but oh well, like the argies say "es lo que hay".
We've also found a ton of people that want to listen, now it just really comes down to who really wants to try and change some things in their life in order to receive the blessings that come from that. There is a peace and a calm in all aspects of our lives. So let's just make the changes and enjoy the blessings.
Elder Sands
As for investigators, the family Villar still haven't gotten baptized, but not for a lack of wanting to, just because they are never home for us to teach them. So we're just going incredibly slow, well at least for this mission. They've already been to church 8 times! That's unheard of down here to have them go that many times. They love the church and know its true and the Book of Mormon too and all of that and not get baptized really fast, but oh well, like the argies say "es lo que hay".
We've also found a ton of people that want to listen, now it just really comes down to who really wants to try and change some things in their life in order to receive the blessings that come from that. There is a peace and a calm in all aspects of our lives. So let's just make the changes and enjoy the blessings.
Elder Sands
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Goodness, with Jeff (Elder Winkfield) returning from his mission, I'm going to be the only one in the ward serving! Come on guys, I don't want to be out here all alone!
As for celebrating my birthday; actually, I kind of forgot all about it. It wasn't until a member asked "Your birthday is today ¿no? I was like ummm (looked at my watch for the date) and said yeah, it is. So that's two years in a row that I have forgotten my birthday. But thanks Ashley Simpson and Hna Robledo! I wouldn't have even remembered these two years if it weren't for them.
I heard about Brother (Dr.) Rawlins helping in Haiti; that is so great that he was willing and able to do that. We had heard that is was about completely destroyed! Sounds kind of like the last days. We've actually had a lot of people ask us to pray for the Haitian people as we've talked to them.
As for transfers, everything stayed the same so I'm probably going to stay here in Olavarría for probably three more months but the President may do something different. As for investigators there is an interesting thing with the Famaly Villar; they're not really in our Branch. It is a really complicated situation with them but they are so ready to get baptized. We've also found a ton of new people to teach. We're really trying to organize ourselves a bit better and it's working out great.
Well thanks everyone and have a great week.
Chou, Elder Sands
As for celebrating my birthday; actually, I kind of forgot all about it. It wasn't until a member asked "Your birthday is today ¿no? I was like ummm (looked at my watch for the date) and said yeah, it is. So that's two years in a row that I have forgotten my birthday. But thanks Ashley Simpson and Hna Robledo! I wouldn't have even remembered these two years if it weren't for them.
I heard about Brother (Dr.) Rawlins helping in Haiti; that is so great that he was willing and able to do that. We had heard that is was about completely destroyed! Sounds kind of like the last days. We've actually had a lot of people ask us to pray for the Haitian people as we've talked to them.
As for transfers, everything stayed the same so I'm probably going to stay here in Olavarría for probably three more months but the President may do something different. As for investigators there is an interesting thing with the Famaly Villar; they're not really in our Branch. It is a really complicated situation with them but they are so ready to get baptized. We've also found a ton of new people to teach. We're really trying to organize ourselves a bit better and it's working out great.
Well thanks everyone and have a great week.
Chou, Elder Sands
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
I don’t really remember what I wrote last week but the Family Villar well we again have a date for them to get baptized. The father has to quit smoking but he’s really determined and they’re all really excited to get baptized. It’s really weird we have to teach them so much in so little time. The thing is they’re never home together so it was really hard to get citas (appointments) with them. We’re going to be reviewing stuff the day of the baptism with them. There is also another girl named Stephania that goes to another church that uses a lot of psychological stuff with a little bit of God mixed in to make people feel good. They’re really big around here but she asked, “Why do I feel good there but also I feel really good when I read the Book of Mormon?” I just said that it’s because they do have a God and other good things that help people but they don’t have it all and because you know that the Book of Mormon is true that means that they can’t have it all and that the happiness you feel when you’re there can’t last forever. It’s so true. There are people out that do a lot of good but it won’t bring eternal happiness. Only the authority of God given to man and our effort to do the best will bring the mercy of God into our lives completely. I know that’s true without a doubt because the Book of Mormon is the word of God that’s what it all comes down to; your testimony of that book.
Thanks for everything!
Elder Sands
Thanks for everything!
Elder Sands
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Sorry I'm writing a day late. We didn't have internet yesterday for technical errors.
So as for the things that happened this week; well pretty much everything bad that could have happened didn't happen. Thank goodness, but it still wasn't that terribly great.
Our family that is getting baptized (famaly Villar) they I think were out of town so they couldn't make it to church and we couldn't contact them at all. They're now alright but only have Sundays free. So we're going to have to teach them all really fast and in just a few visits in order to baptize them in January. I'm not really sure if they're going to get baptized in January because of the situation. Also I think I'm leaving here the 24th too so I probably won't be around to see their baptism. Such is the life.
We taught this great guy yesterday. We actually were passing by for his wife but to our complete surprise he let us in and he is great; so prepared. It was a fantastic lesson and he loved it all. His name is Marcelo.
All of the others that we were trying to teach went on vacation, so they're all going to get back after I'm probably going to be gone.
Yesterday we went to centro (like downtown) and my companion was looking around for stuff to buy because he is going back to Canada in March. So he was kind of window shopping and I learned later a game that is very Argentine it's called truco and it's really fun.
Well I have to go but thanks for everything!
Elder Sands
So as for the things that happened this week; well pretty much everything bad that could have happened didn't happen. Thank goodness, but it still wasn't that terribly great.
Our family that is getting baptized (famaly Villar) they I think were out of town so they couldn't make it to church and we couldn't contact them at all. They're now alright but only have Sundays free. So we're going to have to teach them all really fast and in just a few visits in order to baptize them in January. I'm not really sure if they're going to get baptized in January because of the situation. Also I think I'm leaving here the 24th too so I probably won't be around to see their baptism. Such is the life.
We taught this great guy yesterday. We actually were passing by for his wife but to our complete surprise he let us in and he is great; so prepared. It was a fantastic lesson and he loved it all. His name is Marcelo.
All of the others that we were trying to teach went on vacation, so they're all going to get back after I'm probably going to be gone.
Yesterday we went to centro (like downtown) and my companion was looking around for stuff to buy because he is going back to Canada in March. So he was kind of window shopping and I learned later a game that is very Argentine it's called truco and it's really fun.
Well I have to go but thanks for everything!
Elder Sands
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
You know what i hate cameras! I killed almost half of my time this camera works but I can’t take them out more than one at a time! grrr o well there is a saying here es lo que hay. so mom I expect to come back and see a lot less of you hahaha really bad joke! So Sebring is finished with scouts, that’s awesome, 7 palms! I didn't think I liked scouts a whole bunch when I was in it, but I’m glad I did all of that stuff now. Yeah I want to hear the songs! Has Sebring done his senior project or still no also what classes is he talking?
This week was HOT! I heard it’s pretty cold up there but as for us down here, it’s terrible, really humid and really hot and every 4 days or so we have a storm. The weather is crazy down here in Argentina. I had a friend ask if it’s cold down here; I just saw that and laughed! I would rather be in snow than rain, but at least I’m not burning at all.
So as for the people we’re working with; there is a family of three that are friends of some of the members that just showed up one Sunday! They have now gone 6 times and we finally took out the date of baptism with them and it’s really soon and they aren’t ever home at the same time so we are going to be over there a ton of times! Also we Baptized Andrea! She’s one of those people that are just golden! She did everything perfectly. She went to church, she never had questions because she always understood everything. She’s great and also her daughter who is turning 8 next month is probably going to get baptized too!
Well I had problems with the camera again and I lost some time, but next week hopefully I’ll be able to send some more pictures.
Thanks for everything, chou!
Elder Sands
This week was HOT! I heard it’s pretty cold up there but as for us down here, it’s terrible, really humid and really hot and every 4 days or so we have a storm. The weather is crazy down here in Argentina. I had a friend ask if it’s cold down here; I just saw that and laughed! I would rather be in snow than rain, but at least I’m not burning at all.
So as for the people we’re working with; there is a family of three that are friends of some of the members that just showed up one Sunday! They have now gone 6 times and we finally took out the date of baptism with them and it’s really soon and they aren’t ever home at the same time so we are going to be over there a ton of times! Also we Baptized Andrea! She’s one of those people that are just golden! She did everything perfectly. She went to church, she never had questions because she always understood everything. She’s great and also her daughter who is turning 8 next month is probably going to get baptized too!
Well I had problems with the camera again and I lost some time, but next week hopefully I’ll be able to send some more pictures.
Thanks for everything, chou!
Elder Sands
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