Pictures this week--and a new companion

Dear Mom,

 We think perhaps this is the new missionary badge. Not only is it impossible to miss, but the missionary can build some muscle strength at the same time.  And now that I take a good long look at it, it would be a great tool for self defense.

 Last photo together before the transfer.  Elder Guevara is off to Viedma.

He will be missed.

 P-day in the zone playing Delta Force.  He is, of course, the one hanging off the side of the building.

 Yeah, El Misionaro. that's a pretty cool sign, and those are gypsy kids. Yup, gypsys. 

 The big yellow building is for government offices. Josh loves to be up high, always has.  I remember all the trees.

 Josh and Elder Guevara with the Maldonado family (probably our favorite family).  The girl, Estella, has her mission call to Cordoba, and Pablo is waiting for his call. 

 Massive old Catholic Bible.  MASSIVE.

WOW! All of a sudden I realize once again how busy ya'll are. I just walk around and teach people, hahaha.
However, it's coming to an end, as you pointed out. 


Yes, I am a district leader. I take the missionaries numbers every night, make sure they are all alright, give the lessons every week and coordinate dist meeting. Basically I just make sure everything is working in the district. Not too hard at all. It's the first time I've had the zone leaders in my district though, which is fun. I'm so glad I'm not a zone leader, it doesn't look one bit enjoyable. You just handle numbers and make sure the dist leaders aren't dying. Not much interaction with any district or other companionships, more impersonal, blech.  


Elder Guevara was transfered down to Patagones, the area next to Viedma. He is going down to the coldness of winter in the south, BRRRR. I will miss him, but will be with an elder from his group (same time as him) Elder Paredes. Yuo, Elder Walls, he was born in Cordoba, but raised in  Buenos Aires. We will see how it is, he gets here from Mar Del Plata tonight at 10. 

That's the ward, after ward conference. The older gentleman next to me is Marcelino.

I am sending some other pictures, just a second. I am encouraging you to put some up on the blog for the rest of the family. 

Kid in the red shirt, member, with Guevara.

The week was pretty tranquilo. We have no hot water, our water heater decided to not work for longer than 2  minutes. So, until it gets fixed, we heat up water on the stove and use that in the shower. It's not that bad, you get clean, it's faster, and alot less water........silver lining?

Sergio has fallen off the map. After the law of chastity he was really torn. You see, he knows it is true, and really loves the gospel, honestly. However, his girlfriend will have nothing to do with it, and told him not to invlove her. Now, the law of chastity does involve her, and he is between a rock and a hard place, you could say. He doesn't know if he wants to marry her either. It's pretty sad. Then he called and said that he would be able to meet with us for the appointment, but would call when he could. He hasn't called, and we haven't been able to find him in his house. It's looking pretty grim.

But I played battleship! And lost miserably, to one of the young women...We were there to say goodbye to the family (for EG) and she challenged me while the other members of the family were writing in his journal. And then slaughtered me... 

Ward conference was good. They went over the stake mission plan once again, so we'll hopefully be getting some more support here soon. Divisions with Elder Christianson. As usual, all of the appointments fell through and we were stuck going by less actives and old investigators. It was fun though, he speaks much better now, it's good
to see that. Does a heart good!

Speaking of heart, we ate that again today. It was the cheapest meat, and we wanted meat in the burritos. Which were delicious. Found a new tortilla recipe, who would have thought that so much butter would be used?

The birthday parties sound fun. Pictures were taking? This is a very hopeful plea. Ben, you still need to let me know what you'd like for your birthday! Thank you to the little boys for their emails. You guys always make me smile, thanks for lightening up the day.

My debit card has not arrived yet, I'm starting to be slightly worried...

Thank you very much for the scriptures, D&C is amazing. I am reading it now and loving it. Read section 6 the  other day, which may be favorite section. It just feels like another pat. blessing.

Oh, and EG's family was fine in Japan, they live in Sapporo, on the other side, facing China. Well, I am running out of time, but a great big hello to the hole family. I love you all and hope your week goes well. Good luck in everything, I'm praying for you always. Thanks again for everything (literally) Hugs and kisses

Your misionary son and brother
Elder Joshua Wartena

Obedience =good things happen to you

Dear Missionary Mom

It finally got cold this week! Yes, we are back to sleeping in a jacket and sleeping bag. Such a nice change from 2 fans with all the windows open. The days are still quite nice though, with an occasional sweater. MMMMM.
Unfortunately, I probably won't be here much longer. I'm afraid that I will be going to Bahia to end the mission  either this Sunday or in 6 weeks. But, it is nearly certain that Elder Guevara will be leaving this Sunday. He
will be sorely missed.


But, we had an excellent week (depending on how you look at it. We spoke on the radio for about 30 minutes. Just about in what the church believes, the priesthood, and eternal families. Then we gifted a book of Mormon to the newscaster. It was fun, yeah. No one has called us yet...so we're not sure of the actual effectivity. Another member works for a local television channel, and is going to see about getting us on TV to talk about the church.
:D:D:D:D:D:D

What else...
We didn't find many new people to teach this week unfortunately, even though we dedicated the majority of the time to that. But as the D&C points out, somtimes you just have 1 great person. Our's is Sergio. He is in 2 Ne 25 in his BoM reading. And is very excited to be baptised on Saturday, making great progress with the Word of Wisdon, etc. We were doubtful about him coming to church (not doubtful, just, apprehensive) because he spent Sat night at his girlfriend's house on the other side of town, and took the bus. Then canceled our appointment on Sat with the assurance that we would see him at 10 for sacrament. Several unanswered phone calls and a text message Sunday morning ended with the the 2 word message, I'm coming. And he did, walked in with jeans and a sweater, and enjoyed sacrament meeting alot. Asked to see the baptismal font afterward, which was promptly swept as he walked down the church hall (a huge spider had taken up residence since Marcelino's baptism.)


We and Acha are the only areas baptising in the zone, and have been since we got here. Which may be the reason that they split us into different districts. Lots of visiting less actives (non actives) and digging through lists
of old investigators. We will prevail!....maybe. 


E Guevara's extended family in Japan is doing well. They are on the other side of the country, and were not hurt in the disaster. The largest earthquake in 140 years...wow.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN!!!!!!! I ent you an ecard that made me laugh, I hope you like it. What do you want me to bring home for you, bud?

Chris has an email with his present in it.


Yeah, Dad told me. Well, at least he can be a test subject in his
classes for rehabilitation.


I'm quite proud of all my younger brothers.


I didn't even think about Laban! Ok, you beat me. Good Job Family! I don't have any other challenges prepared for this week. I've been reading the old testament, finished Genesis last night, oh so good! I just kept relating it to myself, which sometimes isn't the most productive this to do as a missionary, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Pride anyone? I apply Abraham Issac and Jacob to myself? 


I love that part of the book of Mormon, Mom (Alma 1-8ish). I have given talks several times in sacrament meeting on those chapters in the attempt to help move the ward in missionary work. I think the best part is the invitations he makes to those in the church, specific commitments to change lives. And then he extends commitments to those outside of the church, to repent and be baptized. What I'm getting more and more as I read the scriptures, is a pretty basic concept, to say the least.

Obedience=good things happen to you

Profound, yeah.

Not sure what to say about the week, yeah, just keeping on keeping on. Another Elder has my card reader card (his has broken) so I will email photos as soon as possible. But, yeah, good week. I'm happy, we're doing well, I had my haircut this week, and yeah. I love you all so much, thanks again for the great emails every week.
SMILE FOR SPRING!

Your missionary son and brother,
Elder Joshua Wartena

The Elder can Walk

Dear Mom

I love you too!

Alright, here is the quick run down of the week.
Tuesday, I traveled out to Bahia Blanca for a great leadership capacitation...yeah. No, it was actually really good, quick enjoyable. I like the attitude of pres detlefsen. Too many times we make the mistake of just putting on a face to do a great thing, but leave out the actually planning part and arte left high and dry when we actually have to do something important. 
I have a quote by winston churchill about that, but I forgot it at home, and I don't want to mess it up, next week.
Got back to Santa Rosa, then had the whole zone in my area for interviews with president. Excellent once again, I always enjoy my interviews with pres. he doesn't seem to worry that much about me, knows that I am usually just fine and don't have alot of problems. Just lets me know that I'm doing a good job, talks about the work, and yeah. It's nice to know that there is confidence there. Makes you want to live up to it more and be a missionary taht doesn't cause stress. 
That night I headed out to Cha for another baptismal interview. Ended up not doing the interview, that will be this week, but reinterviewed (kinda) the ñlady from last week and attended her baptism. It was definitely a positivie trip. Came back saturday, worked in Santa Rosa, church, and now it's Pday. The governemt made like 1000 houses in our neghborhood and gave them away, so quite a few families from other wards moved in to our's. Our bishop was pleased as punch, to say the least. We went out o visit them, they are all amazing members, quite a nice thing to have in an area where it is needed. Have lunch every day this week, hehe, thanks to them.
Yeah, it feels like I haven't been here is Santa Rosa at all fro the past 2 weeks. Ugh, but it's good. I'd rather be busy then scratching my head trying to figure out what to do.
I can play hymns now.
There were emergency transfers in the mission, the area of Toay (in my dist) was closed, and Elder Jones was sent out to Olivarria, on the aother side of the mission. His trainee of one month was reassigned to another ward here in the capital and Elder Christianson is coming up from Viedma to be his companion. Yes, my last comp, Elder Christianson, should be a fun transfer for those 2...I really hope EC speaks better than 3 months ago...of course he does. We'll be picking him up at 9:30 tonight.
Acha came out for Pday and we spent most of the day taking pictures at monuments, at government buildings, etc. It was a holiday, combine that with the siesta and we are the only ones outside.
GEN CONFERENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm quite excited, to say the least. Elder Guevara is up and walkiong now. He has to wear a super soft shoe, basically a slipper, but his toe is much much better. 
Sergio is giving up smoking to be baptised next weekend. YAYAYAYAY: Really a miracle honestly, considering our lack of work for 3 weeks.
I finished the BoM this morning! Started to Bible and D&C. I'm reading a section a day along with elder blackhorse to therefore finish the week we go home. AGGH.
Jesus the Christ is an awesome book. I've read it 4...5 times? I think 5 on the mission. Learned alot, a whole lot.
Great to hear how you all doing. We had an elder in the mission in Mar del Plata have his appendix removed last week...that was an interesting little emergency, I just heard about it.
Haha, I am so glad the school stuff got worked out, and tat you liked my essay. I think I'm going to just be a spy for the CIA or something...Jason Bourne
The Wartena supremacy, not quite the same ring.
Moroni, favorite book, hands down. It's just amazing. I love moroni 10. As well as chapter 7, where it is Mormon teaching in the synagoge...spelled wrong, oh well.
Limhi is an amazing example of personal virtue.
My brothers=awesome.
Ok, here are some of the pictures, our PDAY adventures
Never mind, it doesn't want to work...maybe I should buy a new card reader, this one looks kinda broken....it was 5 dollars...over a year ago...hmmmm
Oh well, you'll have to go a time without pictures. Again.
It's almost your birthday!!! Happy birthday Mom and Dad, a month early.
Now I'm jsut trying to fill space. Not sure what to write now.
It's still ridiculously hot here in the pampa. Summer is holding on.
I love you all so much. Thanks again for the constant updates on everything. Enjoy the crocusus for me. I still remember all of us being excited to go out and see your flowers come up after the cold.
I'll see you in 139 days. That was for Chris, hahahaha.
I'm praying for you, don't stay up too late! Eat an iceberg milkshake and ahve Chris make a sandwhich for me. (I'm very proud of you little bro, thanks for the good example to me)
Hugs and Kisses
Your missionary son and brother
Elder Joshua Wartena 

Adventures with a wheel chair

MOM!!!!

We did have the ‘’surgery.’’ It was what they called an infiltration. Last Tuesday they stuck a needle (huge sewing needle sized) into my companions foot to fill to affected area with a fluid to promote healing. The best part, while the doctor was putting it in, the syringe broke off at the base of the needle and he was all flustered trying to screw it back on while fluid leaked out. Ok, maybe not the best part, but it was kinda funny. That was Tue., and they commanded him to have complete rest for 1 week. So……I rented a wheelchair to be able to go to zone conference. It was an excellent conference. We volunteered to make the lunch, a peruvian dsh, Arroz Chaufa. Basically just 10 pounds of delicious rice with a ton of stuff thrown in, eggs, ham, bacon, onions, mushroom oyster sauce, and other things. It was…interesting to cook it all in our little kitchen. Definitely an
adventure. 


Then, I went out to Acha for another baptismal interveiw. The mother of a baptism they had several weeks ago. It was an excellent interview, the spirit made it clear that she was ready and happy to be baptized.  Oh, speaking of, the mission hit broke the record for baptisms in a month. We had 100, which hasn’t happened in years. Good
sign.

But, we had ANOTHER week of down time…it sucked. We were able to visit a couple of people and new converst/menos activos in the wheelchair, as well as attend church, but it wasn’t anything too exciting. But, I
started Ether this morning, so will be done with the Book of Mormon this week. Lots of study and cleaning. What are you going to do…most boring month ever… Just, don’t complain, the Lord will get back at you ;D.

Dad said that I got a promotion…that’s good. That’s very nice to know,
one less thing to worry about. 


Sorry I can’t respond to everyone’s emails (ok, anyone but you) the typing of the essays took longer than
anticipated. Good luck with school Dad, I’m praying for you. Tell Paris hi for me…that guy.

Oh I love my brothers. So much. Chris, Nate, Matt, Ben, Jo. I love you all. And it must needs be that I must go. Tomorrow I travel to Bahia again for a leadership conference…oh, joy of joys. Thank you again for the
wonderful emails, support, and just everything, I love you and will talk to you next week.

Your missionary son and brother
Elder Joshua Wartena






To clarify things here, Josh's companion had surgery on his toe.  The essays were for his college admissions and scholarship applications due, ah, today.  All is well.


Signing off for now,
The Mama

Time is flying by

Dear All,


I forgot to update the blog for the past two weeks.  We have been soooooooooooooo busy, stressed, maxed out.  You get the general idea.  


Anyway, Josh is doing well.  He was sick with an ear infection about two weeks ago.  All is better now.  Please pray for Elder Guevara.  He has injured his toe, resulting in no walking.  Soon he will undergo surgery followed by recovery time.  What does this all translate into for missionaries?  Lots of time stuck in the apartment bored.  Josh mentioned he is going to look into renting a wheelchair so they can get out and do something.  It's been hard on the investigators not to have their missionaries coming by often.  Josh does get to go out on splits with other missionaries occasionally.  That is nice for him.  Poor Elder Guevara.  He truly needs our prayers.


Next week I will remember and post his letter.  In the mean time may you all be blessed with joy.


Signing off for now,
The Mama

Work Update

Dear Mom,


Work update!
Nothing, yup, the first week that has happened, nothing.
Elder Guevara has been put on orders to NOT WALK. We went out to work a couple of times and to pick up newbies in the terminal, and the doctor wasn't too happy about that. ''you are going ot have to get surgery, stop that!'' Yeah, X-rays, continued treatment, and I don't even know what at this point.
Gotten alot of reading done...which is good.
Elder Jones and Elder Bateman are both training north americans. 2 good kids, the MTC seems to be turning out better trained missionaries every time...jeez, we were so lost in every single way when we got here, how did we stand up?
Psalms 46:10, be still!
Alma 17:8;21:11 I can't remember why I wrote that one down, but I wanted to share it with you.
Marcelino in priesthood meeting made the comment that the creation was more like an organization and establishing the governing laws than a poof, there is the earth. 
I was quite proud of my Marcelino.
Patricia's boyfriend's uncle died, and she couldn't have a lesson with us. Since we have started teaching her, a friend has been stabbed, another has died, and her visiting grandma got pnuemonia or something. For some reason she continues reading and enjoying it.
Pretty awesome young lady. 
Excited to teach Sergio tomorrow. I'm taking Elder Jones' kid to do divisions here in Santa Rosa so we can go visit people. Should be fun.
Question, quiz. Who are the 6 women mentioned by name in the BoM?

And I'm running low on time. Tell grandpa a huge thank you for me.

I love you all, thank again for everything. I'm doing well. :D Smile!

Your son and brother
Elder Joshua Wartena




Prayers are so appreciated right now.  He was sick last week, but he's well now.  Pray for Patricia and her family. She needs it.


Signing off for now,
The Mama

Short but sweet.

Dear Mom,

Sergio is amazing, the peruvian guy we are teaching. We went over and he said that he started teh BoM again and read 15 chapters. After thinking he said that he had already recieved his answer. Thinks he got the peace he was looking for as we explained the plan of salvation. He always was afraid of death, always, but now is calm inside. He wonders why the other churches don't just accept the BofM. I asked him which church he thought had the authority and he said that by his testimony of the BoM, it would have to be the LDS church.  He still feels bad being baptised again after his catholic upbringing. But, he realizes his predicament and also realized that the only way to resolve it would be to ask God what it is that he wants him to do. so that is what he is going to do.

AKA; he'll be baptised soon.

Patricia will as well, oh, and her boyfriend, and her sister, who all loved the lesson we gave and will be waiting for us to come teach them tomorrow. :D

I have text messaging on my phone, and am the envy of the entire zone. I am unique, which i nice, because i's easier to send a text message to ''hey, we're coming over to visit you, are you come?'' Yeah, come on over.

I have a new planner, so I don't have the rest of my notes from last week. Elder Bateman and E Jones are both training in our distr...YAY! I like new elders, they are like fuel for older elders, push them sometimes. 

I met someone from that super southernly city in Tierra del Fuego on sunday, they were visiting family members in the ward. Ushaiah I think it is called...

Scriptures that made me smile this week.

Alma 8:10-13;16:9 

Sometimes the whole endure to the end thing just kinda...well...doesn't work out like we thought it would. We need to have faith on the Lord. Something that I am learning at the moment.

Joshua 1:9 

(thank you for that scripture, it has become one of my favorites)

Alma 57:21 

Thank you for being the best mother anoyone could ask for, Mom. I really do thank God daily for you and Dad.

It isn't as boiling hot this week, which was nice, looks like it will rain soon actually. I got to give 2 more baptismal interviews, oh how I love doing those. Also made minestrone soup. Oh my gosh, it was so good, you are a saint Mother. Saint Stacie.

Haha, "I don't believe in God, but I believe in the Virgin," one of the best rejections I've ever heard.

I'm keeping a miracle section in my journal now, an area were I write the miracles I see daily. I also have ''missionary miracles'' in the back of my planner. 

:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

OH MY GOSH! That's the wall!!! I couldn't figure out where it was, then I saw the water heater. Wow, I'm at a loss for words. Could you send my the plans for the addition? I would love to see what the house will look like. I love internet, makes this so much easier... When is the finish date? 

Dad, I'm proud of you, school, work, bishop, house, father. You are pretty much Superman to me still, just fyi.

I love aregentina, some of the best people I have ever met live here.

Well, that was the week, it was an eventful one, that's for sure. Thank you so much again. Thank you for the constant emails, prayers, and support. I love you so much, thank you for being proud of me...well pleased with me, haha.

Have a spectacular week, Mom, family, love to everyone. 

SMILE!

Your missionary son and brother who send much love

Elder Joshua Wartena

We appreciate all of the wonderful prayers and support we feel from our family and friends.  It is fun to be supporting so many missionaries in the field, friends of Joshua and others in our Stake.  We are learning so much.

Signing off for now,

The Mama