A week in the life of a missionary

Dear Family and Friends,

All is well, all is good.  Josh survived turning the big "20".  Now he is off tracting some more in Argentina.  

Well, we will be leaving the internet place soon, I can only hope your email gets here in time!

I love email, so easy to write you guys.

Anyways, this was a FUN week...kinda.

The World cup, ugh. I love it, and hate it. You can look up all the stats online, but really the only thing that matters is that Argentina is doing extremely well, which translates into not alot of people out, but most everyone is pretty satisfied with everything and not complaining.

Liliana dropped us, just ignored us at her door, locked the door, and won't talk to us. We don't know what happened, but suspect it has something to do with her week in Buenos Aires or something with family and someone ''talked to her' about the church. But, we have someone new to teach (finally, oh my goodness) Luciana! 22 yrs old, 2 kids, and was contacted byu the sister missionaries in their area, but lives in our's. We taught her the first lesson, and it went very well, we know get to see if she will read/pray. The family that was ''so ready to be baptised'' according to the members who gave us the reference, turns out not to want anything. I don't understand the ''when God gives me the sign, I will listen.'' You have two guys from the united states who traveled here to tell you this stuff, what more of a sign do you want!

But hey, that's life sometimes.

Still waiting on the info for the guy who wants to be baptised and has been attending another ward for a year but lives in our ward. And Brisa, just waiting to get the signature from the Mom. All fun stuff.

Contacting alot of people in the street...you sure meet the weird ones whiel working. Or the drunk ones...but that generally happened after the soccer games. Needless to say, we were advised to get home a little earlier on those days.

But yeah, Elder Walker is great, good comp, good guy. We're working really hard, it just seems like we aren't finding many people to teach.

In month 12! Definitely an odd feeling.

Well, I can't really think of anything else exciting that happened this week, or good stories. Well, we did almost get attacked by dogs, but decided to turn around and not deal with it. And were nearly drowned with all the rain this week. Got VERY cold and humid, and windy. All bundled up and thankful for coats like we never have been before.

When did I say I knew how to cut hair? Not sure, but our dist leader and then my comp asked me to. Turned out quite well if I do say so myself. But, we learned cutting your own hair is a different story. It looks fine now, hard to mess up a missionary cut, but it was close for a minute or two...

 

Until next week

Your missionary son and brother

Elder Joshua Wartena

Can you believe he tried cutting his own hair?  It only took him 20 years to try that one.  Most kids do it at about 3 or 4 years old.  My son . . . kinda slow, yeah.  We love him just the way he is.  He is a "special spirit".

Signing off for now,

The Mama

The adventures of a missionary

Dear Mom

 

Wow, no offense to your other emails, but this weeks may be my favorite I have recieved in the mission. Just made me feel all good inside more than usual. Thanks for the talks, we don't get the magazines much down here. We have 2 from this year...I'm just hoping I can find a conference edition in English.
My birthday! So, it was spent in a zone conference, an amazing zone conference, but sitting all day long nonetheless. I got candy from Hna Detlefesen and the hnas del puerto (in our district) several members wished my happy birthday today and we have a cake/dinner thing tomorrow! I actually did not recieve your package in time, but I did get Sadie's. I'm hoping for next week, will let you know.

HA! You tell the missionaries in the Provo Utah mission to shut up and go contact some people...because your son covers a 25 mile area with one ward of about 100 actives. They cover 9 active stakes with 10+ wards in every one. Sorry, a family here has a son in the Provo Utah mission and we are slightly bitter about it.

That's cool that they came over though, who are they?

Sigh, I guess almost a year was a good run to keep my jeans...thanks for saving the coat!

Kidding, they can have the pants.

WOAH! Alex is in 5th grade...who have no idea how much that just blew my mind. Actually, you probably do, but WOAH!

Almost as weird as Jo reading...Mom...what happened?

Ok, Elder Palmer. On the 26, the US may be playing in the World Cup, ask him how that went, he will tell you. If you want to feed him something...Tater Tot Casserole. It was a running debate for 4 months who's mother made the better TTC. Please win if you can! :D

I am going to print off that talk this week if I am able to. I want to read it. Thanks.

ABE PUT HIS PAPERS IN!!!

I finally got an email from that punk, so happy.

MY headaches are gone! No worries.

Sorry about the money, I should have been able to take care of that.

I decided not to do a video right now for his court of honor. I will do one for him personally and write him as well. He's such a great kid.

Sam, home, wow.

So many big things this week back home.

Here is was a really boring week, not gonna lie. Gorgeous weather for the most part, but we were't able to work at all beacuse of meetings, divisions, and the mundial. Ah, yes, the world cup. When argentina played, we knew people were home becuase we heard the streets practiaclly explode when Argentina made their first goal.But hey, such is life sometimes. I am just glad everything is happening at once instead of slowing the work over a long period of time. Zone conference was awesome. Pres really helped us out in our area with questions we had about contacting people as well as emailing me and answering stuff. Great man...He reads the scriptures and then applies them to us like nothing I have ever seen. I will ahve to bring my notes one day to give you some of the amazing stuff he reads.

Oh, Argentina won their game. That day, every single store in the area was sold out of alchohol. Our Dist. Leader informed us it might be a good idea to head home a little early before it got dark. 

US and Englad scored 1-1

Uruguay was killing S Africa today 2-0

Thsi games matter, because they decide whether or not Argentina and the US have a possibility of playing each other. It would not be good if they did.

So, after the zone conference, we were informed that the Ward Mission Leader from Centro had a reference for us. It is a 28 year old man who has been attending in Centro with his friend for about a year now, recently recieved his answer, and wants to be baptised, and has no problems to do so. He just needs to lessons. Where does he live? In our ward...oh, yeah.

So, if all goes well, we could have 3 baptismal dates this week. I'll let you know what happens.

Rained a TON this week. We were skipping rocks in the street they were so flooded. Kinda fun actually. 

Yeah, we got our district jerseys all made and they are cool. We each have a nickname, from Top Gun. Yeah, the genius of E Wartena and E Walker. Who am I? Maverick, of course.

Sorry this email isn't filled with spiritual insights or cool stories, it's been a really slow week and I am kidna just writing whatever. 

Thanks for everything you do.  I'll keep working hard, no worries. I love doing this, so much fun. Be sure to tell Sam hi for me when he gets back, and give everyone a birthday hug from the big brother.

I love you so much.

 

Your missionary son and brother

Elder Wartena  

Oh, me, oh, my another week has flown by

Hello All,

Josh has been a busy bee the past two weeks.  He has a new companion these days.  He is now senior companion, so busy learning to lead the companionship.  His new comp is Elder Walker from Salt Lake City.

Next week Josh turns 20.  It seems to be bothering him a lot that he is getting so "old".  Maybe a few of you could take a minute to email him before the 15th and send him a Happy Birthday wish.  I think it would ease his worries of being forgotten and all.  Below is the latest email.

Dear Mom

 

Well, another week, another Pday here in Punta Magotes. Can't say much has happened this week. Well, that´s a lie I suppose, but I´m still adjusting to a new comp, being older, all that stuff, so it all seems like a blur in my head. Last pday I actually set up a fake robbery with our neighbor teenagers. It was awesome, all 4 elders in the district got robbed with a fake rifle, me getting kicked, etc. My comp got 400 pesos, his 2 debit cards, and out cameras taken. Bless his heart, he tried to get his scriptures out and sneak the cameras too, but it didn't work. Great to just have them all be in shock and them get their stuff back right before calling pres.

Had another lesson with Liliana, with Javier and Paola, and some other members, but not really anything new or exciting to report. We were unable to get an appointment with Brisa on saturday, so we don't have the baptismal date yet. As well as Liliana being sick on sun, so that one fell through for this week as well. But the lessons are going well, we have another member to visit with us/take her to church, and it is just...well, cookie cutter I guess is the phrase. Nice, easy, accepting.

Not like Richard, who we went back to visit because apparently he ''has interest'' again. If going to the Jehovah´s Witness friend to ask questions about drinking is interest. I don't know, I have tried everything with this guy, but I feel like someone else will have to be the one to really help him when he is ready. 

Contacted ALOT of people in the street, and have some that said they may be interested, we'll see how it goes when we visit their houses.

Oh, so remember that guy who came to church with the enormous dreadlocks, yeah, he gave us some cool quartz crystal formation thingies. Not sure what they are supposed to do, but they sure look good on the desks.

Church was...good. E Walker speaks very well, so he didn't have a problem giving his first testimonny. For the first time, nothing extremely weird happened in any of the meetings.

Yeah, just working hard trying to find new people and baptise the ones we have (finally!)

Get along strangly well with my new comp. He is a really great guy who loves the area and is excited to be here.

So yeah, that's about it for the work.

IT IS COLD!!! You don't think it is, but as soon as the wind picks up you just die. That's really the most exciting thing.

Miramar is sleeping over at our house again, the dist. leader and his comp (we seem to see an awfully lot of them) and we pranked them this morning. Set all clocks in the house 2 hours early and got up at 4:30 instead of 6:30. It seemed like a good idea at the time...namely the night before.

But had a good Pday anyway, went to the water tower again as a dist. (only Hermana Vazquez and I were there the last time) then the Museo del Mar (it sucked, waste of 16 pesos. They did have a cool shark though, and a touching pool to touch these fish that would come to the sides. It was odd) The aquarium was closed, or would be writing about that. We even made some dist. shirts in Centro, hopefully will be done tomorrow, and the Hermanas will pick them up. We each have a nickname, from Top Gun (E Walker and I had that idea, we even bought aviators today...for 5 dollars) Mine, Mavrick, yeah.

 

Wow, when the most exciting thing to happen to you...

But really, we're doing spectacular here, just great. Sounds like you guys are doing well, and Chris' Eagle Court of Honor! I am looking forward to pictures. Speaking of pictures, did E Palmer come by yet?

How is school going? Any exciting changes, boring changes, anything?

I don't have much more to write, but next week we have zone conference, on my birthday, so perhaps they will be something about that that will stick out more. 

Mom, I'm turning 20, this is so weird. The mission goes by so fast. I wish I had enjoyed more before, being with all the brothers, not arguing as much, and all that good stuff.

Thanks for being the best family anyone could ask for.

I love you!

 

Your missionary son and brother

Elder Joshua Wartena  

Anyway, it was great to hear from him again.  I can hardly believe he has been out just shy of 11 months.  Here's wishing you all a wonderful week.

Signing off for now,

The Mama

P.S.  Be sure to check out the flickr photos if you haven't lately.

Time flies

I have discovered if I do something for my kids I actually do it.  For instance, when I am pregnant I exercise, eat wonderfully, go on bedrest, get proper sleep, etc. just for the baby.  I worry about not getting this blog updated each week cause it's for my kid.  Perhaps I should set up all my goals in life with the welfare of one of my kids as part of the deal.  Hmmm.  Food for thought.

Now, while I'm thinking about that, you enjoy the email we received this week.

Hi Mom!

 

Haha, I remember making that CD! Years ago, woah...so I got 2 letters today from the Weavers! Jacob is 9? Uhhh, when did that happen, I remember the kid being born..

Just a slight what happened to time moment. I have been a missionary for 10 months and my comp for 4.5 of those is going home in a few days.

Mmmmmm, cheescake. Huh, oh, I'm awake. Your package is on it's way too! Well, kinda, it's coming with E Palmer, and he will probably come over about a week after he gets back and heds up to SLC. He is being flown right into St. George, which is nice.

Woah, get Jo a blessing and bed!

 

Ok, I have to tell you about the lady we found this week. Went over to a member families house to see her before she goes into hip replacement surgery(today) and she tells us that she has a friend that left her church the day before, wants to join our's and wants to hear us. And that she is ready. Now. Well, we go over and teach a first lesson, she starts reading that night and calls her friend with questions. Comes to the activity the next day in the church for Independence day, we teach the plan of salvation that night and it all goes great. She just is perfectly happy to accept and cumplir with any commitments and has no problems. And, she is an english teacher, which is just cool.

Name=Lilian

Age=59..ish

:)

She's going to get baptised. That is really the most exciting thing to hàppen teaching wise.

Oh, lie, we taught Brisa and Rocio again after quite a while and we just had an overview of nearly everything. Well, we say once again how she can know the BoM and the church are true by praying and she tells us ''I know it's true'' Oh, really? ''Yeah, I asked God and he told me'' Then little Rocio pops in ''You should ask him too!'' Well, now we have too baptise her, since she gained a testimony and all.

 

The activity in the church went well. 25 de Mayo revolution that led to the independence day. We all dressed up in clothing that made us all look about 200 years old and had theater acts, stories, all good.

 

It rained for about 5 days straight before that though. Thick, nasty, humid, warm rain that made everything mud. Blech. Thank heaven for coats.

 

Pday, E Palmer's last Pday ever. Writing to his family for the last time ever. It's good. Had luch with the zone in an all you can eat place, walked around, played on the beach, took pictures with the ocean and everyone. Guess who got eaten by 2 monster waves on the pier? Yup, E Wartena. It was cold with the wind, and very salty.

 

Tell Jo thanks for me!

 

So, the package is coming with a Cd of all the pictures and videos up to this point, so you will have a copy of everything.

 

Oh my goodness, I thought I understood a little of Isaiah before I came out here. Then I spent a month and a half and 50 pages of study journal in Tres Arroyos on Nephi's quoting.

Ugh.

I have been reading a little of D&C every day, studying lessons and chapters in PMG, and reading John in the NT. D&C always strikes me as one of the oddest books we have. It is almost llike a collection of pat. blessings to the early saints/words of instruction and reproof. I like it alot, very helpful to read from a missionary mindset. I decided I needed a better testimony about the Savior, so I started John, that's all.

PMG is an inspired work. Amazing book, I wish I had read it more before.

 

So, how do I feel when I feel the Spirit? Honestly, it's kinda weird. I feel like God is slightly pushing me physically in a certain direction and saying ''come on, you know what this is, just do it, I'll take care of it.'' Which gives me 2 options, obey or not. When I obey, ''Good job, I told you so, Elder, look how I can use you to help other people and don't you feel good?'' Not obeying '' (open hand hitting me accross the head mentally) what was that? You knew it was my spirit. Repent and go fix that.''

I'm slowly fetting better and recognizing and obeying immediately.

 

Well, tell everyone hello for me, and gives hugs all around. I will be sending a big ol video letter to everyone, show you some stuff, etc. But that's pretty much how it is here. Just going along. Thanks again for the emails and the prayers. I love you all so very much.

 

Your missionary son and brother

Elder Joshua Wartena

 

''And THAT is why the Lord created man...'' 2 Nephi 2:25

Love to all for another week.

Signing off for now,

The Mama

Enjoy.

Another week -- actually the beginning of week #44 we figured out today -- another email.  It is amazing how fast this mission is going by.  Enjoy the email.

 

Hi Mom!

 

Hey, it rained all night long here too...but we woke up to fog and humidity. But no worries, all is good and beautiful now.

I will give you the quick rundown of the week before anything else.

Had divisions 1.5 times (they forgot the keys and had to come back, that is 1.5) and it went...well. Neither of us like divsions too much, we are too used to teaching with each other

Nancy likes the BoM and the church, but doesn't see why she has to get baptised or why she can't just share catholic with Mormon...back to square one

Javier is giving up drinking, smoking, and swearing! And we haven't even had a commandments lesson yet...just goes to show what a real ''change of heart'' does to a person. He was so proud to tell us too, it was just great. Went over to their house and they were at the table reading the BoM! Needless to say, an excellent lesson on prophets. (aka, spirit and interest were there)

The ward still sucks, that is all.

Not really anything interesting happened, I mean, I broke into Miramar's house with the dist leader after divisions because it was cold, the other companionship had the keys, and I didn't want to just stand outside at 9 pm.

Visited the old Mar del Plata water tower today. Much cooler than it sounds, I will have pictures up hopefully next week.

Went to Caisamar on the other side of Mar del today as well to visit a family from E Palmer's old area. We are sunburned for some reason

After 8 months Elder Cox and I saw each other again! Anticlimactic, yes, but it was cool to have Elder Backhorse, Elder Cox, and Elder Wartena all together again.

Oh, went to another big catholic church and had holy water flicked at me (let's just say that some missionaries are less...respectful haha) it burned.

I think I was put on a dist./zone leader list. I am getting mission newsletters, zone stuff, and dats for everyone in the mission...cool I guess.

 

The raingutter boats look cool, good job. We were talking about pinewood derbys this week actually.

 

AGH! You already have the conference edition!!! I am jealous, we don't have it yet. Ah well, I guess patience is a virtue...Last conference was the best one I have ever heard, the church is so true...

Thanks for sharing all that with me, Mom.

 

Well, 40 weeks huh...wow. One more transfer and 1 year. WOAH! I am turning 20 years old! I just got that weird feeling of realizing stuff like that...woooooah.

 

I am afraid to report that I am falling victim to the missionary aging effect...your emails become shorter as time goes on. But I'm also in the process of writing letters to send home next week with Elder Palmer (who is still working spectacularly and doing great) So you can hear about the girls who tried to get us to come to the casino/21st birthday party today in centro, the ocean, my camera almost breaking, and all that good stuff in your letter.

 

But yeah, still just plugging along down here. 2 little engines, weeeee...

Thanks again for the emails every week, I love reading how everybody is doing. Keep doing well, give hugs, enjoy the sun, etc.

VAMOS TODOVIA!!!

 

I love you all!

Your missionary son and brother

Elder Joshua Wartena

Every week we look forward to our special time writing and sending emails.  When your child/brother is thousands of miles away you just have to treasure every little moment of communication no matter how it comes.  Happy trails to all.

Signing off for now,

The Mama

After Mother's Day

Our talk with Josh on Mother's Day was just wonderful.  He is doing great.  He has decided he wants to serve a mission with his wife one day because that would have to be the Celestial Kingdom on Earth.  Enjoy the email.

Dear Mom,

Ok, so I will just tell what has happened since sunday.

 

Not much.

 

Had a dinner with Javier and Paola again, DELICIOUS chcken thing. Drool...

Also had breakfast that day with a great new couple in the ward who wanted to get to know the missionaries. We're ok with that. Same day we had lunch as canalonies...yeah, we're still pretty full.

But now full enough to turn down a BBQ today! Woot, dist. activity. I will put some pictures up of where we went, what we did, all that good stuff. Having sister missionaries in your district makes activities alot funner. Adds difference.

Oh, para que sepas, sea lions may be the nastiest things I have ever smelled.

Talked with Cato, the hippie guy who likes to learn about different religions and came to church. He loves the book of Alma, and wants to be baptised.

We don't think it is for the right reasons though, he just likes churches. We'll teach him and see where it goes I guess.

Yeah, talking to alot of people in the street, fun stuff.

Weather is about the same here. MASSIVE amounts of humidity and a ton of fog this morning. But still stays pretty cold apart from the middle of the day.

 

Ok, I have changed my mind.

Bday, letters, nothing else. For this year and next year. You don't need to send me money, nothing, just little stuff like pictures and letters.

Why do I say this? Well, I may have bought a bday present for this year...and next year...yeah.

Yeah, I got a bday present.

Bought it from Elder Palmer, who traded his basketball shoes we wanted to sell and Javier absolutely loved for the jacket that Javier wanted to sell and I loved. So Javier has shoes, I have a jacket, and E Palmer has money.

I will put pictures, but to buy in the states would run you about 250 dollars. I got it for about 70. 

Well, Fernanda is actually the one who suggested calling! We didn't know what to do and she saved us! She says it was a pleasure though, when her son goes on a mission she hopes he has someone to help take care of him there too. :)

Ah, tell Dad not to worry, I won't be able to email him this week either. We have to run to an appointment and got here late because we had to clean up at the house after the BBQ. Just you today I'm afraid. Don't you feel special? I sure do, get an email from my Mom every week.

 

People all having babies, getting married, what is this!? I am going to come home to a completely new family.

 

You are going to have to write a book about teenage boys after we are all grown up and gone, Mom. But seriously, that would be a good idea.

 

Oh, ummm, I have started telling people that I was born in spain and we moved to utah when I was a little kid. This way they don't think I am just a stupid N American who can't speak at all. Amazingly, they don't have problems understanding anything when you say this...placebo effect anyone?

 

That is something I see in our mission pres, actually. I had never thought of it in that was though. He doesn't say that there has to be a huge change NOW. But rather, you make goals, plans, and work as hard as you can to do the best you can.

Make 48 changes per day!

 

I really liked that talk too. I even liked the talks that were directed to the ladies, jeez that was a good conference.

I will try to remember to put in your letter with your present how I feel about all that revelation stuff. Not anything profound, but just how I feel when I feel the spirit.

How do you feel when you know the spirit is talking to you, Mom?

Little study for the both of us, we will come back next week with answers, deal? Ok, awesome, thanks.

:D

 

Well, it must needs be that I run again. Such is the life. Wait all week to write, and then have to rush as fast as you can! Haha.

Thanks for all the love, Mom, I love you guys too. I just like letters every once in awhile from the brothers is all. I like email more, but every couple months a letter from one of the bros or you or Dad unexpected just helps.

 

Well, keep chuggin' along! We'll keep working hard here in Argentina and keep you updated. You guys are always in our prayers.

 

Love you all

 

Your missionary son and brother

Elder Wartena

Happy wishes being sent your way.  Thanks for sticking with us through this mission.  It sure is fun and educational.

Signing off for now,

The Mama

Only 4 days till the Mother's Day Call--and All is Well.

We are very excited here as we anticipate the arrival of Mother's Day.  Yes a call from Josh will be coming, one of two we get each year.  Wish us well connecting.  We wish you all a Happy Mother's Day as well.

HI!

Ok, so we were in centro for pday, and got back late, had to change, and don't have alot of time. Normally I would feel bad, but...I'm calling you in 4 days so I don't.

WOOT!

I will tell you about all our investigadors sunday, deal? Remind me to tell you about Javier and all the lessons, Nancy/moving and taking the cigarettes away from her, the hippie, and Hermana Gigli.

That is all about the investigadors. (Oh, and I caught an awesome pass in the end zone of the beach today, Dad can be proud.)

Bday, ok I have a list actually

Dickies work pants, my black pants are begining to get nearly see through thin in the rear

Marshmallows

 

That is all.

 

I paid for the doctor visit with personal money, which is what you have to do for the eye doctor. The mission will pay for other doctors, but eyes no. It cost about 25 dollars to get a complete check up. It was cool though, he used these hand lenses and had a huge box of them.

Speaking of birthdays, I have your's and Nathan's presents, they will come home with Elder Palmer.

 

Thank you for the garlic and onion stuff! I took some garlic the other day and was really wondering how I could just get some oil and well, everything you sent me. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

 

Thanks for the info about Sadie. I'm very glad to know she is ok.

 

Ok, so I was talking to E Palmer about the best people in the Book of Mormon, or ones I really liked. Nephi is probably on my top 5, just...amazing. Yeah, I don't know how to explain my thoughts on that, but I really want to meet him after this life.

I felt the Spirit reading your testimony, Mom.

Did you know you are a missionary, it's true. You have 6 converts, us!

The church is true, and God loves us more than we can comprehend. If we all remember and feel His love it will turn our all right.

 

Ok, I have to go, but I will talk to you soon!

Love you

Your missionary son

Elder Wartena

Signing off for now,

The Mama