Week 45: A Remarkable Connection; Loving the Area of San Jose!

This week was really great! On Tuesday we had a really great district meeting and had a pair of hermanas and elders visiting other areas helping out join us. We talked about overcoming our fears and had us imagine what things we could accomplish if we overcame our fears and weaknesses. It was a great exercise and the best part is that it is possible to overcome our weaknesses through Jesus Christ. I love the opportunity, the challenge to become better, of changing our bad habits and strengthening our testimonies. I am so grateful for our Savior Jesus Christ.

After the meeting we had lunch with a member named Marie Velasquez. She turns 74 today but still is in great health and has a lot of energy and is still really active in the church. She was baptized at the age of 15 in 1958 and she showed us a book she has of pictures and cards from missionaries throughout the years. I was thrilled when I saw a card that said Elder Delbert W. Ellsworth! What a cool connection! I took pictures of the mission president too- I don´t know it Brother Ellsworth knows him or not. It was so cool to see the history and her old pictures and papers. 

Hermana Roman, Marie Velasquez, and Me

Missionary Card from Elder Delbert Ellsworth, a dear family friend in my ward back home in PA who served his mission in the 1960's!

Announcement of the Creation of the New Argentina North Mission

District Conference 3 February 1959 with Visit from Elder Spencer W. Kimball & wife Camilla

On Wednesday and Thursday highlights are that we got a baptismal date for two of our investigators! One is a man named Demasio that we found two weeks ago. He had come to general conference but didn't make it to church this week because there was a big rainstorm all Saturday and Sunday. The other is a sweet lady named Fanny who is in her 60's and is in a wheelchair. She has incredible faith and love for God even though her life has been very hard. She said she had never been baptized before and was excited about the idea. But with the rain she didn't make it to church either so we have to move the baptism dates later. Thursday after lunch my eyes started hurting and soon I could hardly keep them open so we returned to the pench at about 4 pm and I took a nap and took some allergy medicine thinking it was allergies. But afterwards it was worse and some sweet members took me to an eye doctor and I had pink eye in both eyes! They gave me drops that my compi has to put in my eyes every 4 hours and the next day my eyes were already much better. Now I can´t wear my contacts or makeup for a week- woohoo glasses! 

 Friday we had interviews with President Calquin in Adrogue and it was only about 3 minutes long. He just thanked me for my service and expressed his love and told me to be careful in the streets! We have to return to the pench at 7pm and asked if I had any concerns.  Afterwards Elder Burton, an assitsant to the president had us imagine waking up on the last day of our mission and asked us how we want to feel about our missions, how Heavenly Father would feel about our work. Basically he challenged us to change the things that are disobedient and decide now to work in a way that would make Jesus Christ happy if He were always along side us. Because the truth is that He is always watching! What a mind exercise! I am not ready for it to be the last day of the mission yet!

At lunch we ate milanasas and afterward they showed us our lunch for next week-  a pig head! I don´t know if they were serious but we had fun taking pictures it! The ward was a part of a blood drive so I was able to go and donate blood! Woohoo- it was basically the same as in the US, but everything in Spanish obviously...

Next Week's Lunch?

Audrey Loves has Always Loved to Serve by Giving Blood!

Saturday the Elders in the ward had two baptisms and it was really inspiring. One was a man in his twenties with tattos- a tough looking guy who you wouldn't think would accept the gospel. The other was an old man in his 80's. I loved watching their baptisms and could feel the spirit. It just shows that the Lord works in mysterious ways and that we shouldn't assume that people aren't interested in religion. Even in his 80's, the old man decided to change his life for the better and accept the gospel. He's an example that it is never too late to change.

Sunday was fast and testimony meeting and it was powerful. The people who bore their testimonies were so sincere and humble. The Spirit was so present. I am loving serving in this ward and I love the people who surround me. I love being here and every week there are moments that I think that my mission is perfect for me. God really does know me and has his reasons for sending me to Argentina.

Dad,  I hope that your trip to Israel goes smoothly and that you all return safely!

 I like the poem you sent. It really is true that we can make almost any place sacred when we have the Spirit dwelling in us. I feel so lucky to be living on a higher spiritual plane in these 18 months and to learn how to follow the Spirit more. 

Love you and the family too! Happy Easter to all!