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
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
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