Dear Mom,
Well, as was stated last night, I have nothing to write to you!
Lie, that lost voice turned into a slight cold, and I'm all stuffed up again. Thank heaven for benadryl and a bus ride, nap time. Bus ride? Yes, I am in Rauch, the 12x12 town outside of Tandil. There was a leadership/trainers and trainees conference in Bahia and that meant that all the elders in Tandil are gone (first conference in like 9 months I haven't attended.) And the zone leaders didn't like my idea of having me stay with the sister missionaries for a couple of days, so I am in Rauch. Nice little town, very green. Bleached the house today after waking up. I am pleased to announce clean floors, kitchen, bathroom, and hard surfaces in general.
Tell all the family that I say hi back.
Ok, so you asked for my book list, here you go. The list made during the ''Guevara month":
The Trial of Jesus From a Lawyer's Standpoint--Chandler
Sanhedrin-Maimonides
Teachings of the Presidents of the Church
On the Physical Death of Christ
The Joseph Smith Papers
Doctrines of Salvation
The House of the Lord
The Miracle of Forgiveness
Mormon Doctrine
Articles of Faith
Jesus the Christ
Lectures of Faith
The Infinite Atonement
Mediation and Atonement
HIstory of the Church
Jounal of Discourses
The Koran
The Screwtape Letters
Mere Christianity
Harry Pottter
LOTR
The 3 Musketeers
The Count of Monte Cristo
Don Quixote in Spanish
Wind in the willows
Calvin and Hobbes Collection
Holes
Eragon series
The Bronze bow
Johnny Tremain
Shakespeare
Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World
Tom Sawyer
King Arthur
Quick and Effective Way to Public Speaking
How To Win Friends and Influence People
The Great Apostasy
Hatchet
To Kill a Mockingbird
An Inconvenient Book
Chronicles of Narnia
The Hiding PLace
Locke
A Marvelous Work and a Wonder
The Road
Our Search for Happiness
Abhorsen Trilogy
The 1st thousand years (and the rest)
Black Hawk Down
The Art of War
The Communist Manifesto
Little Men
Little Women
God vs Science
Tale of Two Cities
Little House on the Prairie
Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Oliver Twist
Boxcar Children 1-5
The Golden Goblet
The Bronze Bow
Sign of the Beaver
The Search for Delicious
The Giver
Tuck Everlasting
7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Dr. Dolittle
Grapes of Wrath
Edgar Allen Poe
Blood Atonement and the Origin of Plural Marriage
Animal Farm
Lord of the Flies
Faith Precedes the Miracle
The Origin of Religion
Winnie the Pooh
Golden Compass
Vitality of Mormonism
The Westing Game
Dead Sea Scrolls
Transel Safa
Anathema
Antrax
The Merlin Conspiracy
Pendragon
Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
The Importance of Being Earnest
The Zombie Survival Guide
Marriage and Divorce-Kimball
Our Lord of the Gospels
Messages of the 1st Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
The Cost of Discipleship
Massacre at Mountain Meadows
Mormonism Unveiled: The Life and Confessions of the Late Mormon Bishop, John D. Lee
Pilgrim's Progress
Pathways to Happiness
Adam, Who is He?
Answers to Gospel Questions
Doctrines of Salvation
Gospel Truth-Cannon
Ender's Game
Lehi in the Desert and the World of the Jaredites-Nibley
And yeah, I hope you guys haev a spectacular week. I love you so much, it was greast to hear you all.
Your missionary son and brother,
Elder Joshua Wartena
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
A Transfer to Tandil
Dear Mom
Haha, after nearly haf and hour of walking looking for an internet place here in Tandil we are here! Yes, you heard me correctly, I am in Tandil, what is generally admitted to be the prettiest area of the mission. Not that that matters, but it sure makes life more enjoyable. I looked at the horizon and saw a mountain, nearly cried. (ok, mountain, it's a hill smaller than one of the foothills, but hey, it's something, and the city is quite hilled)
Santa Rosa got pelted, then drowned. Hail the size of marbles, followed by 3 days of rain. Luckily we got transfers on day 2 so I got to spend most of a day washing the rest of my laundry and packing. Thanks for the prayers, they help. Eler Guevara needs the prayers too, he's down in the south of the mission (by Viedma) and is probably freezing!
Tandil, is gorgeous, you can tell you're back in the province of Buenos Aires, a different look.
My companion (and this may be the best news of all) is Elder Decilia, from Salta, Argentina. He has my time, we will probably be ending the mission together here. Now, at first this may seem like a downside, being with someone who has your time. But, since Elder Palmer went home, I have been with elders who were new in the mission (and training once) so I was hoping to have a companion this transfer who could ''share the yoke'' as you could say it. Decilia is known as a stud missionary who works hard and has a great attitude. Needless to say, I'm quite relived. Other good news, I'm no longer dist leader, or zone leader. It seems as though unless you are assistant, Pres lets you finish the mission just enjoying being a missionary.
Really been blessed, I'm grateful.
The bus ride was...fun. Long, but good. Another all night bus ride. Thank Heaven for pday being the transfer day. Nap time anyone? We also took a good chunk of time cleaning the house. We're 4 missionaries living here (we live with the ZLs, who are great, 4 old missionaries in a house) and the previous tenents weren't what you would call the cleanest people. We have carpet, which is interesting, the house reminds me kind of like the house in Tres Arroyos, just a whole lot newer with good water pressure.
Sergio is back on track. (Flashback to Santa Rosa) He told us that right now he still doesn't think that he is able to just dump his girlfriend (even though she doesn't like him taking th lessons) but realizes that that is what he must do to be baptized (came to that conclusion himself) and decided to read more and pray so taht he can do it. Told us that what made him call us again was that he picked up the book and realized that this was his life and he wants to do what God wants of him. Great guy.
Jessica, the young girl who has 3 children and her husband in prison, reacted amazingly well to the 1st lesson. We went by the next and she responded that she had read and prayed the night before (rare, that) and yeah. Just a quick visit, but she will get baptised. Put a baptsimal date for the 20.
The ward was very sad to see me go. They had one of their best families move from the ward this week, and the daughter gave her testimony as she is going to Cordoba on a mission this thursday. Great familiy, they even came to say goodbye to me at the terminal! Apparently I helped the family alot, sometimes stuff like that happens and you don't even realize it. The oldest daughter just had her baby and she and her boyfriend (peruvian, he's cool) are getting married so he can get baptised, and the Dad has come to church several times after a decade of inactivity.
The bishop said thanks for the work I did and when I responded that I only had 1 baptism, he said ''are you kidding? You helped the ward so much, and the baptism was a huge miracle, thank you elder.'' Not to be prideful at all, all we really did was what a missionary should do and loved people, but it's so wonderful to see the Lord work a miracle with you as the tool. Sometimes we don't realize in the moment.
Thanks for the patience. :D
Alma, wow., I think he understoof that scripture of the word changing your heart more than most people. And his father must have been so happy to see him unconcious. remember that Alma sr. didn't have the most inoccent past either, and Alma jr had the same thing with his son coriantum later on. Lots of love in taht family.
I'm reading duet. and D&C still, nearly finished with Mark. I am realizing once again how important Jesus actually is in EVERYTHING. I've said it a thousand times, but it really in the center of EVERYTHING. Marking and looking for statements that Christ makes about himself in D&C, it's humbling. Read the section 42 and tell me your thoughts on it! One of my favorites.
Ok, I am going to explain pictures that are attached. Holy cow! That's a lot of pictures.
Guess who the new dist leader is? Elder Christianson! We were all suprised, but I'm so proud of him.
Well, I have exceeded the file limit, I will send you the videos of the new house, other elders here, and pictures that we will undoubtably take next week. Along with the info on Tandil, the beautiful.
Oh, and
Speaking of Mothers, I will be calling you this sunday around 7:00 7:30ish pm here. That would make it between 4 and 4:30 there if I am not mistaken. A call will be made before to make sure that the card works. Not sure of Tandil's codes or the church's number or anything really, so I will just call you guys this time alright? Any problems, we'll figure them out when I call you before.
I love you all so much, thank you for the constant help, prayers, and emails. Have a great week, talk to you soon!
Your missionary son and brother
Elder Joshua Wartena
PS: some of the pictures refuse to load, oh well
Haha, after nearly haf and hour of walking looking for an internet place here in Tandil we are here! Yes, you heard me correctly, I am in Tandil, what is generally admitted to be the prettiest area of the mission. Not that that matters, but it sure makes life more enjoyable. I looked at the horizon and saw a mountain, nearly cried. (ok, mountain, it's a hill smaller than one of the foothills, but hey, it's something, and the city is quite hilled)
Santa Rosa got pelted, then drowned. Hail the size of marbles, followed by 3 days of rain. Luckily we got transfers on day 2 so I got to spend most of a day washing the rest of my laundry and packing. Thanks for the prayers, they help. Eler Guevara needs the prayers too, he's down in the south of the mission (by Viedma) and is probably freezing!
Tandil, is gorgeous, you can tell you're back in the province of Buenos Aires, a different look.
My companion (and this may be the best news of all) is Elder Decilia, from Salta, Argentina. He has my time, we will probably be ending the mission together here. Now, at first this may seem like a downside, being with someone who has your time. But, since Elder Palmer went home, I have been with elders who were new in the mission (and training once) so I was hoping to have a companion this transfer who could ''share the yoke'' as you could say it. Decilia is known as a stud missionary who works hard and has a great attitude. Needless to say, I'm quite relived. Other good news, I'm no longer dist leader, or zone leader. It seems as though unless you are assistant, Pres lets you finish the mission just enjoying being a missionary.
Really been blessed, I'm grateful.
The bus ride was...fun. Long, but good. Another all night bus ride. Thank Heaven for pday being the transfer day. Nap time anyone? We also took a good chunk of time cleaning the house. We're 4 missionaries living here (we live with the ZLs, who are great, 4 old missionaries in a house) and the previous tenents weren't what you would call the cleanest people. We have carpet, which is interesting, the house reminds me kind of like the house in Tres Arroyos, just a whole lot newer with good water pressure.
Sergio is back on track. (Flashback to Santa Rosa) He told us that right now he still doesn't think that he is able to just dump his girlfriend (even though she doesn't like him taking th lessons) but realizes that that is what he must do to be baptized (came to that conclusion himself) and decided to read more and pray so taht he can do it. Told us that what made him call us again was that he picked up the book and realized that this was his life and he wants to do what God wants of him. Great guy.
Jessica, the young girl who has 3 children and her husband in prison, reacted amazingly well to the 1st lesson. We went by the next and she responded that she had read and prayed the night before (rare, that) and yeah. Just a quick visit, but she will get baptised. Put a baptsimal date for the 20.
The ward was very sad to see me go. They had one of their best families move from the ward this week, and the daughter gave her testimony as she is going to Cordoba on a mission this thursday. Great familiy, they even came to say goodbye to me at the terminal! Apparently I helped the family alot, sometimes stuff like that happens and you don't even realize it. The oldest daughter just had her baby and she and her boyfriend (peruvian, he's cool) are getting married so he can get baptised, and the Dad has come to church several times after a decade of inactivity.
The bishop said thanks for the work I did and when I responded that I only had 1 baptism, he said ''are you kidding? You helped the ward so much, and the baptism was a huge miracle, thank you elder.'' Not to be prideful at all, all we really did was what a missionary should do and loved people, but it's so wonderful to see the Lord work a miracle with you as the tool. Sometimes we don't realize in the moment.
Thanks for the patience. :D
Alma, wow., I think he understoof that scripture of the word changing your heart more than most people. And his father must have been so happy to see him unconcious. remember that Alma sr. didn't have the most inoccent past either, and Alma jr had the same thing with his son coriantum later on. Lots of love in taht family.
I'm reading duet. and D&C still, nearly finished with Mark. I am realizing once again how important Jesus actually is in EVERYTHING. I've said it a thousand times, but it really in the center of EVERYTHING. Marking and looking for statements that Christ makes about himself in D&C, it's humbling. Read the section 42 and tell me your thoughts on it! One of my favorites.
Ok, I am going to explain pictures that are attached. Holy cow! That's a lot of pictures.
 |
| Last dist meeting (Elder Christianson, Elder Peterson, Elder Paredes, and Elder Wartena |
 |
| An inactive memeber that asked for a little help with english and ended up letting us play his guitar and sing, it was fun |
 |
| The same man also had cool stuff from all over the world and we took the time to wear a sombrero (this was divisions with Elder Peterson, the half mexican canadian) |
 |
| The Bishop (in the tan boots) |
 |
| The Maldonado Family |
 |
| Awesome streets. Yes, John Schmidt Street. |
 |
| Sister Formia, who made us HUGE amounts of food every week. |
 |
| Elder Wartena and Elder Paredes at the terminal. |
 |
| Elder Wartena and Elder Peterson at the terminal. |
 |
| Elder Christianson and Elder Wartena at the terminal. |
Guess who the new dist leader is? Elder Christianson! We were all suprised, but I'm so proud of him.
Well, I have exceeded the file limit, I will send you the videos of the new house, other elders here, and pictures that we will undoubtably take next week. Along with the info on Tandil, the beautiful.
Oh, and
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!
Speaking of Mothers, I will be calling you this sunday around 7:00 7:30ish pm here. That would make it between 4 and 4:30 there if I am not mistaken. A call will be made before to make sure that the card works. Not sure of Tandil's codes or the church's number or anything really, so I will just call you guys this time alright? Any problems, we'll figure them out when I call you before.
I love you all so much, thank you for the constant help, prayers, and emails. Have a great week, talk to you soon!
Your missionary son and brother
Elder Joshua Wartena
PS: some of the pictures refuse to load, oh well
Monday, April 25, 2011
Let us all press on in the work of the Lord
Haha,
You and Dad both...jeez. Yeah, it's not been the easist couple weeks ,
we'll leave it at that.
The family Luna, why are we mentioning them? Well, last year I learned
Spanish sign language in Mar Del Plata on acocunt of Damian Gigli.
Didn't think that would ever serve me again, until we get ahold of the
young couple that recently moved into out ward, and she is deaf. Great
family, he is an RM who served in Cordoba, understands his part in the
missionary work as a member and wants to do it. The ward is actually
responding finally, had consejo de barrio (sorry, no idea waht it is
in english, it's been awhile) [This means neighborhood counsel] and to our surprise they informed us
that something had actually been done during the week and the ward
mission plan was going to be used. Something to do as well with the
redone ward list we gave yesterday in church to the secretaries
(Marcelino was called to be a ward clerk, yeah!)
Getting colder here in Santa Rosa, we'll see to where it is that I
will be transfered this weekend. Confession, my stuff is mostly
packed. Trying (and it appears like I will succeed) to fit everything
into 2 suitcases with the third inside russian doll style.
New shoes, and pants. Oh, how we love missionaries who leave things or
give them away. Steel toed work shoes with an inch and a half heel?
Yes, thank you very much. A pair of dockers that will fit nicely
accompanied by a belt? That too.
Fyi, the tommy hilfiger belt from wal mart is still going strong, 20
months later. The pants, not so much...but they put up a brave fight.
Shoes, pretty much gone. I'm giving the pair that didn't fall apart
but just needs a new sole to a young man leaving or a missionary who
new shoes. The other pair will probably be burned this weekend. Held
together with super glue, tape, and walking carefully? Yup, thems
missionary shoes.
What was pday today? Well, a self done haircut was first on the
docket. Turned out much better than the last time, it actually seems
even. Then we headed over to the church during the siesta (world shuts
down) to practice piano and read a book. For some reason piano is
really relaxing, it's nice.
Package has still not arrived, I am afraid that it never will either.
Chris is OLD!!! I remember my homeschool graduation, if I remember
correctly it was when Dad was called to be bishop. I still have that
photo and enjoy pointing out everyone in out family to anyone that
asks. He can think I'm perfect, it's pretty much true. ;D
Thanks mom, for all the encouragement and advice. It is nice to know
that I haven't been lazy. I haven't always worked the smartest, but I
haven't been lazy!
I stared at the sun the other day, 8. I got 8 in the sun stare.
Easter passed uneventfully. REALLY uneventfully. Here in the Pampa it
is another excuse for a 4 day weekend and sleeping. Ugh.
We are coloring eggs sunday, Elder Steele and I, with what you sent me
christmas. :D:D:D:D
Thanks again for everything Mom, enjoy the library. I love you, the
rest of the family too of course.
XOXOXOXO! :D
Romans 15:1
Your missionary son and brother,
Elder Joshua Wartena
You and Dad both...jeez. Yeah, it's not been the easist couple weeks ,
we'll leave it at that.
The family Luna, why are we mentioning them? Well, last year I learned
Spanish sign language in Mar Del Plata on acocunt of Damian Gigli.
Didn't think that would ever serve me again, until we get ahold of the
young couple that recently moved into out ward, and she is deaf. Great
family, he is an RM who served in Cordoba, understands his part in the
missionary work as a member and wants to do it. The ward is actually
responding finally, had consejo de barrio (sorry, no idea waht it is
in english, it's been awhile) [This means neighborhood counsel] and to our surprise they informed us
that something had actually been done during the week and the ward
mission plan was going to be used. Something to do as well with the
redone ward list we gave yesterday in church to the secretaries
(Marcelino was called to be a ward clerk, yeah!)
Getting colder here in Santa Rosa, we'll see to where it is that I
will be transfered this weekend. Confession, my stuff is mostly
packed. Trying (and it appears like I will succeed) to fit everything
into 2 suitcases with the third inside russian doll style.
New shoes, and pants. Oh, how we love missionaries who leave things or
give them away. Steel toed work shoes with an inch and a half heel?
Yes, thank you very much. A pair of dockers that will fit nicely
accompanied by a belt? That too.
Fyi, the tommy hilfiger belt from wal mart is still going strong, 20
months later. The pants, not so much...but they put up a brave fight.
Shoes, pretty much gone. I'm giving the pair that didn't fall apart
but just needs a new sole to a young man leaving or a missionary who
new shoes. The other pair will probably be burned this weekend. Held
together with super glue, tape, and walking carefully? Yup, thems
missionary shoes.
What was pday today? Well, a self done haircut was first on the
docket. Turned out much better than the last time, it actually seems
even. Then we headed over to the church during the siesta (world shuts
down) to practice piano and read a book. For some reason piano is
really relaxing, it's nice.
Package has still not arrived, I am afraid that it never will either.
Chris is OLD!!! I remember my homeschool graduation, if I remember
correctly it was when Dad was called to be bishop. I still have that
photo and enjoy pointing out everyone in out family to anyone that
asks. He can think I'm perfect, it's pretty much true. ;D
Thanks mom, for all the encouragement and advice. It is nice to know
that I haven't been lazy. I haven't always worked the smartest, but I
haven't been lazy!
I stared at the sun the other day, 8. I got 8 in the sun stare.
Easter passed uneventfully. REALLY uneventfully. Here in the Pampa it
is another excuse for a 4 day weekend and sleeping. Ugh.
We are coloring eggs sunday, Elder Steele and I, with what you sent me
christmas. :D:D:D:D
Thanks again for everything Mom, enjoy the library. I love you, the
rest of the family too of course.
XOXOXOXO! :D
Romans 15:1
Your missionary son and brother,
Elder Joshua Wartena
Monday, April 18, 2011
He Writes Again
Dear Mom,
Well, it has been a few weeks of boring emails. As I stated in emails to others, my companion has been ''sick'' for
the past couple of days. No, I have not killed him, nor dragged him out to work more than is necessary.
But, apart from that, it was a good week. Pretty much all of our investigators are...well, just there. Not really anything spectacular is happening, but that is the story of the whole district at the moment. It's like we're sitting in molassess trying to move forward. Slightly frustrating, but it isn't the first time I've seen this, so it'll be alright.
Transfers are the first of May, and we are all pretty sure that I am being transferred out. Pres rarely leaves elders to end in areas with 5 transfers. I am going to ask him to send me to Bahia, the capital of the mission. That cuts down on travel quite a bit, and I'd like to be a big stake and ward to just work my tail off and not have to worry
too much about holding up a ward as well.
Tell Aunt Kari hi for me.
I've discovered that I like learning piano songs, strangely calming to just sit and play something.
I finished Leviticus and Matthew this week. The books of Moses were all fine and dandy until numbers, now it's kinda driving me insane. But, the new testament is always a joy to read. I'm starting up the Book of Mormon again and doing well on my section a day in Doctrine & Covenants. Reading more and noting how Christ is our advocate with the Father and how that all works out. If I'm calling people to repentance it might be nice to know more about that subject.
Ummm, could I take some CLEP tests when I get back? For Spanish possibly? Because if I can test out of some credits that would be nice. I know that I've never taken a class, but I've lived with Spanish companions for nearly a year now, and study the language constantly, and have completely an advanced textbook. Just an idea, I think it could be productive.
Hint, don't eat octopus(or any seafood) in a chinese all you can eat, especially if it's in South America.
Package, still a no go. Not sure what has happened, if it has been lost, or what. Sorry.
IT IS BEAUTIFUL HERE! OH MY GOSH: I love autumn, and it is great in the pampa. Only thing that could make it better would be to mountains. Can't really think of anything else to write, quite the uneventful day. I recieved a letter from Gpa, and I'm writing a response.
Thanks for all your support, prayers, emails, and just being my great family. I love you all and will talk to you soon. Have a great week! I love you!
Your missionary son and brother,
Elder Joshua Wartena
(Found this picture at the end of today's email.
Made me start crying.
Oh, he is so cute.)
Well, it has been a few weeks of boring emails. As I stated in emails to others, my companion has been ''sick'' for
the past couple of days. No, I have not killed him, nor dragged him out to work more than is necessary.
But, apart from that, it was a good week. Pretty much all of our investigators are...well, just there. Not really anything spectacular is happening, but that is the story of the whole district at the moment. It's like we're sitting in molassess trying to move forward. Slightly frustrating, but it isn't the first time I've seen this, so it'll be alright.
Transfers are the first of May, and we are all pretty sure that I am being transferred out. Pres rarely leaves elders to end in areas with 5 transfers. I am going to ask him to send me to Bahia, the capital of the mission. That cuts down on travel quite a bit, and I'd like to be a big stake and ward to just work my tail off and not have to worry
too much about holding up a ward as well.
Tell Aunt Kari hi for me.
I've discovered that I like learning piano songs, strangely calming to just sit and play something.
I finished Leviticus and Matthew this week. The books of Moses were all fine and dandy until numbers, now it's kinda driving me insane. But, the new testament is always a joy to read. I'm starting up the Book of Mormon again and doing well on my section a day in Doctrine & Covenants. Reading more and noting how Christ is our advocate with the Father and how that all works out. If I'm calling people to repentance it might be nice to know more about that subject.
Ummm, could I take some CLEP tests when I get back? For Spanish possibly? Because if I can test out of some credits that would be nice. I know that I've never taken a class, but I've lived with Spanish companions for nearly a year now, and study the language constantly, and have completely an advanced textbook. Just an idea, I think it could be productive.
Hint, don't eat octopus(or any seafood) in a chinese all you can eat, especially if it's in South America.
Package, still a no go. Not sure what has happened, if it has been lost, or what. Sorry.
IT IS BEAUTIFUL HERE! OH MY GOSH: I love autumn, and it is great in the pampa. Only thing that could make it better would be to mountains. Can't really think of anything else to write, quite the uneventful day. I recieved a letter from Gpa, and I'm writing a response.
Thanks for all your support, prayers, emails, and just being my great family. I love you all and will talk to you soon. Have a great week! I love you!
Your missionary son and brother,
Elder Joshua Wartena
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Short but Sweet is Good
Dear Mother,
Such exciting stuff. Not too much happened this week, it was a hot week, summer is having a
hard time letting go.
We found 2 families this week (ok, more like 1 and a half) that seem
promising. We haven't been able to get ahold of them a second time,
and have an appt with them tonight, wish us luck.
LOTS AND LOTS of walking.
The other 2 companionships have baptisms this week, and the interviews
were a wonderfully spiritual experience. Every time, I love being a
District leader. The man in ward 4 just expressed his love for the Lord
and appreciation at finally finding what he was looking for. He was
prepared, that is the impression I got. The lady in ward 2 doesn't
understand as much the purpose of baptism, but knows that she wants to
be baptised, and has been coming to church for quite a while.
I love you all, and have to go now!
Until next week, thanks for everything, and the emails always
Your missionary son and brother
Elder Joshua Wartena
Such exciting stuff. Not too much happened this week, it was a hot week, summer is having a
hard time letting go.
We found 2 families this week (ok, more like 1 and a half) that seem
promising. We haven't been able to get ahold of them a second time,
and have an appt with them tonight, wish us luck.
LOTS AND LOTS of walking.
The other 2 companionships have baptisms this week, and the interviews
were a wonderfully spiritual experience. Every time, I love being a
District leader. The man in ward 4 just expressed his love for the Lord
and appreciation at finally finding what he was looking for. He was
prepared, that is the impression I got. The lady in ward 2 doesn't
understand as much the purpose of baptism, but knows that she wants to
be baptised, and has been coming to church for quite a while.
I love you all, and have to go now!
Until next week, thanks for everything, and the emails always
Your missionary son and brother
Elder Joshua Wartena
Monday, April 4, 2011
I love Conference!
Conference was great, as always. Such a surreal thought realizing that it was the last one I will enjoy as a missionary. Weird.
Elder Petersen and I were waiting the whole weekend for Elder Robert D. Hales. We decided as we heard everyeone say that they loved Elder Holland or Bednar, that Elder Hales is really the overlooked apostle. We were actually getting honest to goodness excited about his talk. Who is the one apostle that did not speak in conference (probably one of the few rare times) Elder Hales. Sigh, we'll just have to see if something comes out in conference.
Pres Packer gave one of my favorite talks, once again. It was just so simple and really penetrating. LIVE THE GOSPEL! GOSH.
Elder Holland seemed to desire that we were all deeply impressed by conference and took the messages to heart.
Elder Scott, always a good moment for me, since I talked to him in front of the MTC. No one remembers it but me, but I always listen just a little closer. Charity, the pure love of Christ, apply that when you are preparing and are married.
A 70 gave a great talk, but I can't remember his name (not suprisingly) and once again left my giant notebook at home.
We have been out walking around and hanging out with other elders all day. We kinda just started out to downtown with the intention of buying things, then ran across a museum (you think impressionstic art is boring, you should see an Argentine art museum. Oh, my goodness, it was great. I have attached some pictures) Then we realized we were on the other side of Santa Rosa at the lagoon. Very pretty. A nice overcast afternoon with a breeze. Reminds you of some nature walk we would do. And then we bought pastries and sat with other missionaries in their house because we ended up righ tnext to it! Just a chill day.
Not much to report work wise. I was correct it saying that I recaught the bug I had last week. This week I was wise though and decided to rest and drink lots of fluids. Pleased to report that I am now fine, but we didn't have much working time due to the sickness and general conference.
However I will tell you about a cool finding experience.
We were just in the new barrio looking for a family there, (aka, logistic door knocking and contacting) and we saw a young mother with a stroller just sitting in her doorway. Now, normally, we don't go talk to young attractive women with no men around, but this time we didn't even think about it for some reason and went to talk to her. Her husband is, well, gone, and her 4 year old son was born with massive medical defects. He has a breathing tube, a growth problem, and other things. She is in the house all day, taking care of him, her family is all on the other side of the city, and her only realy transportation is the ambulance. Well, she was remarkably casual about all this, and we felt that the Lord had led us there to allow the gospel to bless her life, which we said. She agreed to a return appointment, and we're very grateful that we can be used by the Lord.
So, there is one miracle.
So, I just want to thank you real quickly. Thanks for raising me/us (I'm speaking for the brothers) as well. Without excess garbage of the world. I don't know if it was on purpose, but thank you for making my idea of a snack a handful of peanuts or an apple; the pleasure of reading and studying a good book one of the most looked-forward to activities of the day; walks instead of video games; teaching us the importance of prayer by example. Thanks for taking us to church and supporting our priesthood activities. Thank you for making us work and learn the importance of a work ethic. Thanks for just being good parents, even when we were little pills. (to use parental vernacular.)
I just thought that after conference. Thanks Mom and Dad.
Anyways, I am going to go now and pump out some other emails.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD! I hope that suffices, because you are not getting anything sent to you, except a son in 15 weeks, haha!
I love you all, thanks again a million for the emails, I love hearing how everyone is doing.
Your missionary son and brother
Elder Joshua Wartena
How awesome is email? I forget to load the attachments and this pops up ''you have written ''I have attached'' but haven't attached any files, would you like to?'' Yes, thank you...creepy machine. These are some of the things we did while waiting for conference (paper games anyone?) afterward, some random stuff on the roof, the museum (so, ok, it was just dumb art) and a video I believe, of the lagoon. Oh, and the last set of pictures I sent to you, you asked about the big yellow building. I think I told you it was governemnt offices, that was a mistake, that is another big yellow building. The one of which I sent you a photo is the apartment building in which the zone leaders and barrio 2 live. Sorry about that... And I totally saw Sam in the choir Saturday afternoon!
CHOU!
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