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
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
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
NOTE: THE FOLLOWING IS A NEW MISSION ADDRESS USED WHEN SENDING PACKAGES. STILL USE DEARELDER.COM OR THE POUCH SYSTEM FOR LETTERS.
MISION ARGENTINA BAHIA BLANCA
CHACABUCO 1755
8000 Bahía Blanca
Buenos Aires
Argentina
This week was really weird. We missed out on a lot of work time because of Christmas and also we’re going to miss a lot more for New Years Day too. It’s really big here. That day and Christmas are their two biggest holidays here in Latino America.
I got to call home on Christmas (I had to practice my English in the days leading up to the call) and my parents said that I’ve matured and mellowed quite a bit. I think it’s kind of funny. I have no idea in how I’ve changed at all to tell the truth. I hope I’ve changed for the better but I think I take the advice of my dad a little bit too literally. He has said ¨Little by little everything is simple¨ I know I’ve quoted that before here but it has helped me so much! However, I’m always doing that and nothing more looking ahead of me so little that I don’t notice much else. A teacher I had in the MTC said something like this ¨sometimes we need to look back and see the progress we’ve made¨. That too is so important to remember, because if we don’t do that we get too caught up in the little stuff and we don’t enjoy or appreciate the stuff that we’ve done.
Well as for Christmas here, it was all fireworks and I by some miracle slept through it all (I’m really tired). It is suppose to be the same thing for New Years Day. It is suppose to be a war of fireworks. Maybe I’ll snag a couple of pictures or something.
Thanks for everything every one of you!
¡¡¡Feliz Navidad y Año Nuevo!!!
MISION ARGENTINA BAHIA BLANCA
CHACABUCO 1755
8000 Bahía Blanca
Buenos Aires
Argentina
This week was really weird. We missed out on a lot of work time because of Christmas and also we’re going to miss a lot more for New Years Day too. It’s really big here. That day and Christmas are their two biggest holidays here in Latino America.
I got to call home on Christmas (I had to practice my English in the days leading up to the call) and my parents said that I’ve matured and mellowed quite a bit. I think it’s kind of funny. I have no idea in how I’ve changed at all to tell the truth. I hope I’ve changed for the better but I think I take the advice of my dad a little bit too literally. He has said ¨Little by little everything is simple¨ I know I’ve quoted that before here but it has helped me so much! However, I’m always doing that and nothing more looking ahead of me so little that I don’t notice much else. A teacher I had in the MTC said something like this ¨sometimes we need to look back and see the progress we’ve made¨. That too is so important to remember, because if we don’t do that we get too caught up in the little stuff and we don’t enjoy or appreciate the stuff that we’ve done.
Well as for Christmas here, it was all fireworks and I by some miracle slept through it all (I’m really tired). It is suppose to be the same thing for New Years Day. It is suppose to be a war of fireworks. Maybe I’ll snag a couple of pictures or something.
Thanks for everything every one of you!
¡¡¡Feliz Navidad y Año Nuevo!!!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
NOTE: THERE ARE 15 NEW PICTURES FROM ELDER SANDS INCLUDING THE 12 PICTURES THAT GO WITH THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS DESCRIBED BELOW.
ALSO, THERE WILL PROBABLY NOT BE A LETTER FROM ELDER SANDS NEXT WEEK AS IT IS CHRISTMAS AND HE GETS TO CALL HOME ON THAT DAY!
For all of you; my 12 dias de navidad para Elder Sands:
ALSO, THERE WILL PROBABLY NOT BE A LETTER FROM ELDER SANDS NEXT WEEK AS IT IS CHRISTMAS AND HE GETS TO CALL HOME ON THAT DAY!
For all of you; my 12 dias de navidad para Elder Sands:
- THE 1ST DAY OF CHRISTMAS - The only team in Argentina worth mentioning, Velez.
- THE 2ND DAY OF CHRISTMAS - 2 missionary name tags.
- THE 3RD DAY OF CHRISTMAS - 3 bombas that are used for water pressure and every house has one.
- THE 4TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS - 4 suitcases that belong to Elder Lopez.
- THE 5TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS - 5 pictures of Christ.
- THE 6TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS - 6 shoes, 2 for everyday, 2 for the more dirty service (my new balances) and 2 that aren’t used as much and are always really shiny.
- THE 7TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS - 7 triple combinations in castellano.
- THE 8TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS - 8 white missionary shirts.
- THE 9TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS - 9 books out of which I study.
- THE 10TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS - 10 missionaries that were in my zone, all crazy.
- THE 11TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS - 11 ties.
- THE 12TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS - 12 letters from all of you, THANKS!!!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
NOTE: WITH THE NEW CAMERA IN HAND WE HAVE PICTURES AGAIN, 12 NEW THIS WEEK. CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO THE RIGHT TO VIEW THE PICTURE ALBUM.
Hola from my last P-day in Olavarr¡a with Elder Lopez (well maybe but at least the last one of the transfer). And what a transfer it has been! We've have had a ton of ups and downs! These last few days have been incredible though! We've found a ton of people to teach. This transfer is going to be really interesting to see what happens as there is a lot happening in the mission and let's just say that just about anything can happen. The most likely I think is that I will stay here with Elder Lopez. But also he has a lot of time in this area and I'm at a time in the mission when other things will probably happen, but we'll see. So, I may be emailing all of you from another part of Argentina next week with some new companion or from the same computer with the same Elder next to me. Who knows, it kind of kills me to wait for this call that we receive. It is so nerve racking! This time in the mission is so important and where and with whom you spend your time is a huge factor in all of the experience. The tension and anticipation is palatable (I'm surprised I even remember that word). That's just a little bit about the transfer experience, but I'll talk to you all next week.
Thanks for everything and Merry Christmas!
Elder Sands
Hola from my last P-day in Olavarr¡a with Elder Lopez (well maybe but at least the last one of the transfer). And what a transfer it has been! We've have had a ton of ups and downs! These last few days have been incredible though! We've found a ton of people to teach. This transfer is going to be really interesting to see what happens as there is a lot happening in the mission and let's just say that just about anything can happen. The most likely I think is that I will stay here with Elder Lopez. But also he has a lot of time in this area and I'm at a time in the mission when other things will probably happen, but we'll see. So, I may be emailing all of you from another part of Argentina next week with some new companion or from the same computer with the same Elder next to me. Who knows, it kind of kills me to wait for this call that we receive. It is so nerve racking! This time in the mission is so important and where and with whom you spend your time is a huge factor in all of the experience. The tension and anticipation is palatable (I'm surprised I even remember that word). That's just a little bit about the transfer experience, but I'll talk to you all next week.
Thanks for everything and Merry Christmas!
Elder Sands
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Wow, time has flown by so fast during this transfer because of all of the hard work! We have transfer calls this next Friday so we'll find out if I stay or go. There are a lot of things that are changing in the mission and one of those is unpredictability. The mission president is really changing everything and it is incredible what these changes are doing. This is a better mission right now and I'm glad I get to be here now.
There's a lot going on here right now and after what seems like a long time with the members not having much trust in the missionaries, things are now really changing. The branch president said yesterday that if he can, he is going to try and keep us both here for another transfer. I have no idea if that'll do anything, but that was great to hear.
I know that this is the Lord's work and he loves us so much. I've seen so little, yet so much of consequence. I love my mission, I love the people, and I want to do the best I can to do everything I can to help them. It's a very rewarding experience and I would hope that we all could do as President Hinckley always said, "be a little better!"
Thanks for everything!
Elder Sands
There's a lot going on here right now and after what seems like a long time with the members not having much trust in the missionaries, things are now really changing. The branch president said yesterday that if he can, he is going to try and keep us both here for another transfer. I have no idea if that'll do anything, but that was great to hear.
I know that this is the Lord's work and he loves us so much. I've seen so little, yet so much of consequence. I love my mission, I love the people, and I want to do the best I can to do everything I can to help them. It's a very rewarding experience and I would hope that we all could do as President Hinckley always said, "be a little better!"
Thanks for everything!
Elder Sands
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
NOTE: OUR FIRST PACKAGE SENT TO ELDER SANDS GOT TO HIM SUCCESSFULLY AND IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS. SO, HE NOW HAS A CAMERA AND WE MIGHT SEE SOME PICTURES IN THE NEXT WEEK OR TWO! STAY TUNED...
Well what a week, we're really starting to see the fruits of our labors. Tons of people are listening! The biggest thing of note from this week was from yesterday at our zone conference. Wow it was incredible!
Oh and the mission doctor was there and he did surgery right there in the church on my foot (Ingrown toenail not fun).
He talked about repentance and if we're truly penitent, we won't have to talk about abiding by the rules of the mission, we'll just do them automatically. Which is kind of funny because I've been reading "to draw nearer to God" by President Henry B. Eyring right before lights out time and the part of the book that impacted me the most was on the same topic. There was a man that had committed serious sin and although the bishop (President Eyring) had forgiven him on behalf of the church a while ago, he wanted to know if the Lord had truly forgiven him. Later acting on advice from then Elder Kimball, he asked of the young man if he was attending priesthood meeting and otherwise participating and those types of questions. He was doing that and so that showed that he was doing everything possible and for that, the Lord will forgive them that "are stripped of their pride." I've been trying to look for these areas, where I can do more, do better, to serve the Lord.
Thanks all of you for your love and support especially Sister Jones and Barb for the letters, I just got them today thanks!
Elder Sands
Well what a week, we're really starting to see the fruits of our labors. Tons of people are listening! The biggest thing of note from this week was from yesterday at our zone conference. Wow it was incredible!
Oh and the mission doctor was there and he did surgery right there in the church on my foot (Ingrown toenail not fun).
He talked about repentance and if we're truly penitent, we won't have to talk about abiding by the rules of the mission, we'll just do them automatically. Which is kind of funny because I've been reading "to draw nearer to God" by President Henry B. Eyring right before lights out time and the part of the book that impacted me the most was on the same topic. There was a man that had committed serious sin and although the bishop (President Eyring) had forgiven him on behalf of the church a while ago, he wanted to know if the Lord had truly forgiven him. Later acting on advice from then Elder Kimball, he asked of the young man if he was attending priesthood meeting and otherwise participating and those types of questions. He was doing that and so that showed that he was doing everything possible and for that, the Lord will forgive them that "are stripped of their pride." I've been trying to look for these areas, where I can do more, do better, to serve the Lord.
Thanks all of you for your love and support especially Sister Jones and Barb for the letters, I just got them today thanks!
Elder Sands
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
NOTE: ELDER SANDS P-DAY HAS BEEN CHANGED FROM MONDAYS TO WEDNESDAYS, SO LETTERS WILL NOW SHOW UP ON THE BLOG IN THE LATER PART OF THE WEEK.
Wow what a week! Sorry I don’t have a lot of time but let me share a funny story that usually happens in the MTC. One of the things that is kind of like a right of passage is to have a dream in castellano or Spanish. Well I don’t really have a lot of dreams anyway but apparently I talk in my sleep (it runs in the family, ask my parents about Sebring and the Ten Commandments). So I believe it was the day before yesterday, I talk in Spanish when I sleep! Yeah I guess I just skipped the whole dream in Spanish part and I just talk 24/7 in Spanish! Jajaja.
Well the work is just that, tons of work. We’re moving mountains out here! I can testify to the quote that I believe it was Ezra Taft Benson that said "the secret to missionary work, is work!" I can tell you that when I’m working really hard when I get to the apartment and just collapse on my bed after planning and such those days are the best! When we’re truly giving everything to the Lord, that’s when we’re going to be the happiest!
Thank you for everything and I’ll try to send some pictures the next week of me cooking or something!
¡Chou! Elder Sands
Wow what a week! Sorry I don’t have a lot of time but let me share a funny story that usually happens in the MTC. One of the things that is kind of like a right of passage is to have a dream in castellano or Spanish. Well I don’t really have a lot of dreams anyway but apparently I talk in my sleep (it runs in the family, ask my parents about Sebring and the Ten Commandments). So I believe it was the day before yesterday, I talk in Spanish when I sleep! Yeah I guess I just skipped the whole dream in Spanish part and I just talk 24/7 in Spanish! Jajaja.
Well the work is just that, tons of work. We’re moving mountains out here! I can testify to the quote that I believe it was Ezra Taft Benson that said "the secret to missionary work, is work!" I can tell you that when I’m working really hard when I get to the apartment and just collapse on my bed after planning and such those days are the best! When we’re truly giving everything to the Lord, that’s when we’re going to be the happiest!
Thank you for everything and I’ll try to send some pictures the next week of me cooking or something!
¡Chou! Elder Sands
Monday, November 9, 2009
Well my parents asked if I'm feeling like a real missionary again, well I've gotten use to not doing very much and yeah, it's coming back to me. This week is when we really pick it all up. I'm starting to know the area and we found a lot of new people to teach this last week.
I'm really disorganized right now! I basically arrived and we went out to work so I still haven't unpacked! Everything is crazy, but a good crazy! It is amazing to really be tired when I arrive at the apartment every night. It's something that I haven't really felt in a long time! So I'm really excited this week as we have a lot of new ideas for the area that will get the area moving again in missionary work. It's really been dragging for a long time.
The members still don't really trust us too much so for my testimony-introduction in sacrament meeting; I kind of dropped the cane on them all about their responsibility to do missionary work, to talk about the gospel with their friends and such. It's also really great to have a companion that really wants to be really obedient! When we're obedient you can feel the difference; the spirit is so much stronger.
Well time to work like they say here in Argentina ¡Trabajarámos a ful!
Thanks for all of your support and love!
Elder Sands
I'm really disorganized right now! I basically arrived and we went out to work so I still haven't unpacked! Everything is crazy, but a good crazy! It is amazing to really be tired when I arrive at the apartment every night. It's something that I haven't really felt in a long time! So I'm really excited this week as we have a lot of new ideas for the area that will get the area moving again in missionary work. It's really been dragging for a long time.
The members still don't really trust us too much so for my testimony-introduction in sacrament meeting; I kind of dropped the cane on them all about their responsibility to do missionary work, to talk about the gospel with their friends and such. It's also really great to have a companion that really wants to be really obedient! When we're obedient you can feel the difference; the spirit is so much stronger.
Well time to work like they say here in Argentina ¡Trabajarámos a ful!
Thanks for all of your support and love!
Elder Sands
Monday, November 2, 2009
Well it's transfer time! It is always really exciting and this transfer was really weird! I'm not in Bolivar anymore which was really kind of sad. All of the members were really sad to see me go. I actually got a little bit emotional. Not quite to tears, but I'm really going to miss them! Two girls that I had the opportunity to teach and baptize were really sad to see me go too. They wouldn't even let go of my hand for like an hour! It was a little bit awkward but it was really nice to know that I'm really going to be missed.
It's an amazing thing this mission. It's one of those things that you just can't quite put completely into words, but it's a roller coaster! You come in completely blind (and really in Bolivar because we arrived together) and you get to know the people the streets the places and then bam one call and you're ripped away from all of that. As I always say "Así es la vida."
As for me I got transferred to the place that I believe a lot of you thought I was at. I'm now in Olavarría. It was a really short transfer. It's like getting transferred from the Beacon Hill Ward to the Lincoln Heights Ward. I'm even in the same district and my District leader is now my companion. So that's what happened.
The area is really slow right now because unfortunately some missionaries before were doing some stuff that made the members lose all confidence in the missionaries. So now we have to gain back that confidence. Elder Lopez (my new companion) and Elder Taliercio (the missionary that was with him in this area the last two transfers) have gained back a little bit of that trust but there's a lot of work to be done!
I'm really excited for this transfer because Elder Lopez is really obedient and that is exactly what I want! He is from Mexico City so I hope I won't pick up his accent too much. I've got a very defined argie accent for a Yankee (that's what they call Americans here). So we'll see if I start developing the Mexican accent. I hope not but I'm really looking forward to working like crazy this transfer!
Everyone, thanks for everything!
Chou, Elder Sands
It's an amazing thing this mission. It's one of those things that you just can't quite put completely into words, but it's a roller coaster! You come in completely blind (and really in Bolivar because we arrived together) and you get to know the people the streets the places and then bam one call and you're ripped away from all of that. As I always say "Así es la vida."
As for me I got transferred to the place that I believe a lot of you thought I was at. I'm now in Olavarría. It was a really short transfer. It's like getting transferred from the Beacon Hill Ward to the Lincoln Heights Ward. I'm even in the same district and my District leader is now my companion. So that's what happened.
The area is really slow right now because unfortunately some missionaries before were doing some stuff that made the members lose all confidence in the missionaries. So now we have to gain back that confidence. Elder Lopez (my new companion) and Elder Taliercio (the missionary that was with him in this area the last two transfers) have gained back a little bit of that trust but there's a lot of work to be done!
I'm really excited for this transfer because Elder Lopez is really obedient and that is exactly what I want! He is from Mexico City so I hope I won't pick up his accent too much. I've got a very defined argie accent for a Yankee (that's what they call Americans here). So we'll see if I start developing the Mexican accent. I hope not but I'm really looking forward to working like crazy this transfer!
Everyone, thanks for everything!
Chou, Elder Sands
Monday, October 26, 2009
Well this is the last week of the transfer and we know that one of us is going to leave Boliver. Oh I heard that there is some confusion as to where I’m at. I’m in the city of Bolivar in the Provincia of Buenos Aires but my zone is the Zone of Olavarría, so I go to Olavarría every Monday so because of that I tend to talk about Olavarría a bit.
Well it’s been a couple of trying transfers for me. It’s really sad to see people who don’t want to realize their potential. That is exactly what I’ve had to deal with all this time here in Bolivar. However this has really made me realize what potential we all can have. We are Children of Our Heavenly Father. He loves us and he wants Lo Mejor (the absolute best) for each and every one of us. We have to do so little in order to achieve all of this potential, to receive all of the blessings God has for us! What an amazing thing it is to be a member of his church and to have that knowledge! I’m very thankful for the opportunity I have to share that with everyone.
Thanks for everything everyone!
Elder Sands
Well it’s been a couple of trying transfers for me. It’s really sad to see people who don’t want to realize their potential. That is exactly what I’ve had to deal with all this time here in Bolivar. However this has really made me realize what potential we all can have. We are Children of Our Heavenly Father. He loves us and he wants Lo Mejor (the absolute best) for each and every one of us. We have to do so little in order to achieve all of this potential, to receive all of the blessings God has for us! What an amazing thing it is to be a member of his church and to have that knowledge! I’m very thankful for the opportunity I have to share that with everyone.
Thanks for everything everyone!
Elder Sands
Monday, October 19, 2009
This week was amazing and also more of the same. We had divisions and I have to say it was nice to do a little bit of work this week.
After that we got to listen to Elder Bowen. He is the President of this area, Argentina and Uruguay. He talked a lot about obedience which is something that everyone needs to take more seriously. If we're all obedient the world will be a far better place.
I heard about the bug that's been going around up there, right now it's really hot in Bolivar. I don't have any time left but remember the Lord loves us and that is why we have commandments!
Elder Sands
After that we got to listen to Elder Bowen. He is the President of this area, Argentina and Uruguay. He talked a lot about obedience which is something that everyone needs to take more seriously. If we're all obedient the world will be a far better place.
I heard about the bug that's been going around up there, right now it's really hot in Bolivar. I don't have any time left but remember the Lord loves us and that is why we have commandments!
Elder Sands
Monday, October 12, 2009
What a week! Due to the robbery we have to change apartments so we did that this week and we didn't seem to do much more unfortunately.
Well I heard you have some days with temperatures in the 20's that sounds like something I don't really miss. It was below freezing one day since I've been here. It was in my last area and there was a little bit of snow but it didn't stick or anything but all of the people were in their houses staring out the window "enjoying" it because it's not exactly something they ever see. As for me, after this last crazy winter I'm fine with no snow for a couple of years. Now however it's about the perfect temperature probably around 70-80 degrees, but I'm not really sure but it's nice. Also one thing about here that is probably interesting is that it is almost always windy and I mean always. This in combination with their dirt roads which is actually really fine sand makes for perfect conditions to have tons of dust in the air. Also because of the humidity we have a lot of storms and for those of you, who've been in Spokane forever, not rain like there, but real pouring down rain. I didn't know it could rain so much. They have little canals everywhere especially in the barrios where the dirt roads are and they fill up in so little time. It makes it really fun to get around jumping over streams in the streets and gigantic puddles of mud in the barrios. Thankfully Bolivar is really nice or lindo as they always say here so it's not too bad.
This week Elder Bowen the Area President is going to be here in Olavarría to talk to the missionaries and the members. I'm really looking forward to it. Hopefully I'll be able to get some pictures of Bolivar before I leave as one of us is going in a couple of weeks so we'll see who it is. I've been reading the old testament really fast when I have extra time, which I shouldn't ever have, but it's there now so I might as well use it. I found out that Moses was supposed to talk to the rock to have it bring forth water the second time (see Numbers 20:2-12). Instead, he just smote it and for that he and Aaron were denied the privilege of entering the promised land. There are a lot of lessons in this. First how many times do we think that our way is better or easier, when really all we're going to do is deprive ourselves of blessings that could have been ours because we were trying to do it our way? Second the Lord wants us to progress. The first time the Israelites needed water he healed the water that was already there. The second time he smote the rock which requires more faith right. The third time he was told to talk to the rock where still more faith would be required. Moses lacked the faith the third time and did it the old way rather than stretching himself and obey a new commandment. For that, like I said before, he was denied entrance into the promised land. It is the same with us; we need to ever improve in order to enter the promised land or God's presence. I want to progress! The scriptures uses the word damned a lot. This is more literal that we might think; a damn stops water from progressing right. That is what eternal damnation is, the stopping of progression. Let's all strive to be better and progress to grow and to learn from every experience we have!
Thank you all for your love and support.
Elder Levi Sands
Well I heard you have some days with temperatures in the 20's that sounds like something I don't really miss. It was below freezing one day since I've been here. It was in my last area and there was a little bit of snow but it didn't stick or anything but all of the people were in their houses staring out the window "enjoying" it because it's not exactly something they ever see. As for me, after this last crazy winter I'm fine with no snow for a couple of years. Now however it's about the perfect temperature probably around 70-80 degrees, but I'm not really sure but it's nice. Also one thing about here that is probably interesting is that it is almost always windy and I mean always. This in combination with their dirt roads which is actually really fine sand makes for perfect conditions to have tons of dust in the air. Also because of the humidity we have a lot of storms and for those of you, who've been in Spokane forever, not rain like there, but real pouring down rain. I didn't know it could rain so much. They have little canals everywhere especially in the barrios where the dirt roads are and they fill up in so little time. It makes it really fun to get around jumping over streams in the streets and gigantic puddles of mud in the barrios. Thankfully Bolivar is really nice or lindo as they always say here so it's not too bad.
This week Elder Bowen the Area President is going to be here in Olavarría to talk to the missionaries and the members. I'm really looking forward to it. Hopefully I'll be able to get some pictures of Bolivar before I leave as one of us is going in a couple of weeks so we'll see who it is. I've been reading the old testament really fast when I have extra time, which I shouldn't ever have, but it's there now so I might as well use it. I found out that Moses was supposed to talk to the rock to have it bring forth water the second time (see Numbers 20:2-12). Instead, he just smote it and for that he and Aaron were denied the privilege of entering the promised land. There are a lot of lessons in this. First how many times do we think that our way is better or easier, when really all we're going to do is deprive ourselves of blessings that could have been ours because we were trying to do it our way? Second the Lord wants us to progress. The first time the Israelites needed water he healed the water that was already there. The second time he smote the rock which requires more faith right. The third time he was told to talk to the rock where still more faith would be required. Moses lacked the faith the third time and did it the old way rather than stretching himself and obey a new commandment. For that, like I said before, he was denied entrance into the promised land. It is the same with us; we need to ever improve in order to enter the promised land or God's presence. I want to progress! The scriptures uses the word damned a lot. This is more literal that we might think; a damn stops water from progressing right. That is what eternal damnation is, the stopping of progression. Let's all strive to be better and progress to grow and to learn from every experience we have!
Thank you all for your love and support.
Elder Levi Sands
Monday, October 4, 2009
As you might now know there was a robbery of our apartment. Here is how it went. We got home way late one night as my companion is always spending tons of time in members home when we shouldn't be doing that. We get in and I went to the bathroom and he went to the bedroom and saw broken glass. Then someone opens the door and comes in with a flare gun and points it at him and starts asking him for very specific things. The other one had a wooden pole and was telling me to get down to the ground but he was all drugged up and I couldn't understand him. So I was saying the best I could, "what do you want, I can't understand you". That was pretty funny and you could tell I was really calm especially given the circumstances. I finally understood boca and pisa or mouth and floor. Oh ok you want me to get on the ground ok. So I did that and they took some stuff then left.
During all of this I was really thinking man I'm probably not going to be able to sleep tonight very much and was kind of annoyed because of that. And we didn't call the cops. Here they are not like they are in the states. Be thankful for them, they're amazing there. My companion was ticked because they took a bunch of stuff from him that he shouldn't have had like his mp4 player and other stuff. I'm kind of glad for that. I was really calm and I take that as from God indicating to me that "you're doing your best given all of these hard circumstances with your comp and everything, so I'm going to bless you with peace." I'm still rather calm though I'm annoyed as my comp is using this as an excuse to not work at all, so we did nothing this week. There is a blessing to that as I do have a lot of study time.
We have Elder Bowen of the Seventy coming and he is apparently really hard on missionaries. Maybe he'll guilt my companion into doing something, so I'm very excited to hear what he has to say.
We found a new apartment and are going to move in Wednesday and we have a zone conference tomorrow. Interviews I can't wait!
General Conference was amazing, I loved it so much, it was so spiritual and I got to listen to it in English and that was kind of nice. The talk that may have applied the most to me right now was the one on temperance. I don't think I am as humble as I should be and I'm not as patient as I should be and right now I have regular glass protecting me. I need to have tempered glass so that when Satan throws stuff my way I won't be injured, but rather be protected and just continue on in the work of the lord. Also the talk by Elder Holland was very strong, what an amazing talk. And President Uchtdorf's talk about love in the first session was really powerful. Also that talk from President Monson; "what good thing did you do today and ask it every day" is a great thing to do. And lastly what good advice Elder Ballard gave on interviews or something. Thanks Dad and Mom for all of the gospel stuff we did before I left. I really appreciate it now. I know that it's my preparation from you and fantastic leaders that is what is keeping me motivated to be obedient despite the circumstances under which I'm in right now. Thank you.
And thanks so much for everything and send that package with the things I need replaced and hide the valuable stuff well. (Levi had his camera, shaver and some clothes taken)
Thanks so much!
Levi
During all of this I was really thinking man I'm probably not going to be able to sleep tonight very much and was kind of annoyed because of that. And we didn't call the cops. Here they are not like they are in the states. Be thankful for them, they're amazing there. My companion was ticked because they took a bunch of stuff from him that he shouldn't have had like his mp4 player and other stuff. I'm kind of glad for that. I was really calm and I take that as from God indicating to me that "you're doing your best given all of these hard circumstances with your comp and everything, so I'm going to bless you with peace." I'm still rather calm though I'm annoyed as my comp is using this as an excuse to not work at all, so we did nothing this week. There is a blessing to that as I do have a lot of study time.
We have Elder Bowen of the Seventy coming and he is apparently really hard on missionaries. Maybe he'll guilt my companion into doing something, so I'm very excited to hear what he has to say.
We found a new apartment and are going to move in Wednesday and we have a zone conference tomorrow. Interviews I can't wait!
General Conference was amazing, I loved it so much, it was so spiritual and I got to listen to it in English and that was kind of nice. The talk that may have applied the most to me right now was the one on temperance. I don't think I am as humble as I should be and I'm not as patient as I should be and right now I have regular glass protecting me. I need to have tempered glass so that when Satan throws stuff my way I won't be injured, but rather be protected and just continue on in the work of the lord. Also the talk by Elder Holland was very strong, what an amazing talk. And President Uchtdorf's talk about love in the first session was really powerful. Also that talk from President Monson; "what good thing did you do today and ask it every day" is a great thing to do. And lastly what good advice Elder Ballard gave on interviews or something. Thanks Dad and Mom for all of the gospel stuff we did before I left. I really appreciate it now. I know that it's my preparation from you and fantastic leaders that is what is keeping me motivated to be obedient despite the circumstances under which I'm in right now. Thank you.
And thanks so much for everything and send that package with the things I need replaced and hide the valuable stuff well. (Levi had his camera, shaver and some clothes taken)
Thanks so much!
Levi
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