This week I shall update on the day it happens--WOW!

Dear Friends and Family,

For Christmas we got to talk with Josh for over 2 hours. It was fantabulous! He sent a package full of letters, coins, and a few presents. Jeff and Chris look totally awesome in their new Argentine soccer jerseys. He is doing quite well, and they had their first two baptisms the Friday before Christmas. Josh is hoping for a transfer in January and to be a trainer in March. He is also starting to dream in Spanish, but I'll let you read about that below.

You'll want to be sure to visit the Flickr account link and see the new pictures of our boy. Most of the new ones are of the missionaries during their 8 hour wait at the Mar del Plata bus station.

Mom!

Ok, I'm not worrying to much about writing alot, because we talked so much! I also said most everything there.
I love the pictures!

All I have to say, very exciting. Go working out! We have started to do that in the Tres Arroyos house, and it is quite fun for some reason.

I started having dreams in Spanish this week! Definitely weirding me out though, even if it is a good sign.
Our investigators are doing well. Slower week with Christmas, parties, and new year, but good! We are teaching a Jehovah's Witness family, Veronica and Gaston. I actually enjoy it, they ask hard questions and pay attention. Not sure if it's because they are genuinely interested, but they are fun to talk to. Working alot with Blanca's family now, and her daughter Andrea even said the prayer after reading 3 Ne 11 and watchign the testaments!
Yeah, just plugging along. I might be training in march! We have over 20 missionaries dying, and alot of leadership that will need to be filled. Chances are I will be out this transfer, get a comp for one transfer, and then train one of the newbies. I really hope so, that seems like so much fun to me.

I love you Mom, I hope you like the pictures I added this week! Thanks for all the good wishes and the quote. I love quotes, you know...
haha, flyaway! Don't worry, I'm still doing very well.
Thanks again for talking to me so much. I'm praying for you all and love hearing about everything
I love you!
Your missionary son
Elder Joshua Wartena

Signing off for now,

The Mama

December 2, 2009—a short update

Woohoo...

Alright, I have a full 10 minutes to write you this week. Due to miscommunication, not knowing where people are, lots of walking, and bus schedules, Elder Torres and I have 10 minutes. Yeah...I'm kinda mad about it. I had alot to write to you guys.
Mom, thank you for the email, it was great! Even though I can't respond to everything.
Dad, thank you for the scripture study outline/ideas. They really correspond creppily well with what I'm studying in pers. study.
Chris, do you like Argentina Nation Team or River jerseys better?
I will be writing you all an actual letter about things here and sending it next Pday, so it should get to you by christmas. The big news of this week is that we have 3 baptisms scheduled for the 20 of december. Yay...kind of. I think only one of them is going to be ready. The other 2 are extended family of the screwed up Branch pres.' wife, and it is a bad situation that I do not feel good about. Missionaries have the keys of baptism in their area, and I do not think they should be baptized this soon and with this situation. More about that as it unfolds though.

I love you all!
Thanks again for everything, sorry about the email this week.

Elder Wartena



Josh was attending an area pday and things got cut short. He had to take a 8 hour round trip bus ride to Necochea for the event. I guess it's worth it for the missionaries to spend time together. He sounds much happier these days.

Signing off for now,

The Mama

The Mama has a comment to add

We posted a link to Josh's photobucket account. You can find it in the links on the right hand side of the blog. Be careful though. Photobucket doesn't have the best of advertisers. We always put up a smaller size book on the left side of the screen to hide the photos that come up. The pictures are fun.

Second, a mother posted on November 18th here that her son had just entered the MTC headed to Bahia Blanca for a mission. I wish I knew who she was. It is wonderful to feel the support of other mothers with sons on missions. When a sister at church who has "been there, done that" speaks to me or throws me one of those "I know what you are feeling" looks, I just feel bonded and loved. My best wishes go out to the new missionary mother of November 18th.

Signing off for now,

The Mama

The Day Before Thanksgiving 2009

Haha, choir huh? I'm glad it was fun, but 4 am? Blech. But I'm not a morning person, as you know. Elder Torres learned that one after trying to grab my feet a coule times to wake my up early. ''No toca mis pies...enserio.'' That sounds fun though!
We're doing well, apart from E. Torres being ridiculously sick to his stomach and our Branch Pres being an idiot, but I told that in Dad's email, so for sake of time, I won't repeat. But yeah, the branch is our biggest hinderance, sadly. The other Branch actually gives us more support than our's does.

I will try my card today, I promise, and let you know! There is actually only a Wal-Mart in Bahia, but apparently it is quite good. You can buy Peanut Butter there (one of the things in short supply and not allowed to be shipped due to some disease thing) and many of those good things.

Thanksgiving sounds fun! No worries, we shall have a good Thanksgiving here. I will cook a very large chunk of meat to eat and we will eat it. Logical, no?
But have fun, take pictures, etc! (<-------please, and not the etc.)

We saw UP this morning for our zone activity while in Necochea for pday! Our choich of movies is quite limited (church stuff and certain G movies) but UP was so good! I loved it, if I may say so. Also had quite the ridiculous game of ultimate going on. Hot day, so we all worked up a sweat.
Unfortunately, not much was done this week due to sickness and the conf, so this email is much shorter, I apologize. I did put several more pictures up on photobucket though, so enjoy those! Yeah...
We hopped a train! It was only going about 2 miles an hour, but we did it! I just feel cool saying that, even if it was only to get to the other side.
We sure cooked alot this week too. Learning dishes from Peru, yes Mam. Quite delicious too, if I may say so. Alot of rice, pasta, bread...carbs...yeah.

hmmmm, yeah. That's the week. Seems alot lamer now that I'm looking back and trying to tell you about it. Hopefully next week will be much more exciting! Your snow sounds fun...hehe.
Something I shared with Sadie about the scriptures this week, maybe you'll like it!

sScriptures are amazing. 2 Ne 6-8
Ch. 6 about being someone of the Lord by applying and learning from the scritures. Like...
Ch. 7 It is an individual process we have to go through
Ch. 8 Remembering covenants doesn't hurt either.
Just alot of how when we're going through rough times the Lord is there. He is ALWAYS by our side. The only reason he isn't is WE seperate ourselves (7:1) He always calls us, because we can't overcome without Him. If we are doing what we know we should, we know He is there with us. Which means whatever is going on can't overcome us. We just have to go a certain distance until He will take over. Very helpful and comforting, especially since I'm feeling like I am having so little success in the beginning of my mission. Turns a disheartening feeling into almost a ''fine, I'm going to keep going because I know it's right. But I need your help''

I love you all! Really, it's true! Especially you, Mom. Thanks for everything you all do for me.

Your misisonary
Elder Joshua Wartena

A new day . . . a new companion

Yes, indeed, that makes 5 companions in 3 1/2 months. This companion speaks no English. Fun, huh?! Here is part of the email we got today. Yeah, today. P-day changed to Wednesday this week. He is busy.

MOM! I love you, Mom!

OK, life in Tres Arroyos this week? Fun, I guess. I got to try my skills at fixing our toilet this week and I am proud to say that after a good amount of fishing life, it is now fully funtional. I also got attacked by some bug (I think it was walking through some high grass) but the bites are gone now! Hopefully the little scars will leave...just kidding! It's a beautifully wonderful day (yes, it's a word!) and just a little humid.
haha, yeah, my fifth comp. But I'll keep this one awhile, I promise!

What do we do on Pday? Well, we got a haircut today! Yeah...we usually get grocery shopping done, clean the house, take a long nap! Study things we've been wanting to but don't have time. Mostly just unwind. There really isn't that much to see in the City that we don't see walking and teaching anyway, but we can go find think we'd like to buy and of course, write our family. Technically, we're only supposed to spend an hour writing emails, but we always go over uploading pictures, writing everyone, etc. So don't shorten your emails, I love them!

Ok, I had some great scripture studies this week I wanted to share with you. I'm reading the standard works in 2 languages and Jesus the Christ again (in English...) and it is so amazing! The scripture that says how everything testifies of Christ is so true! Every story is everything and all the prophets are of Christ! A great talk, finding Christ in the Old Testament that I printed in the MTC really has some cool stuff.

Also, Nephi was a STUD! Lehi in 2 Ne ch 1 says how it is pretty much because of him that they survived. He had such love for his butthead brothers (yeah, I'm still me, can ya tell?) that he desired there eteranl welfare constantly! So many times we read how he spoke to them in the energy of his soul. How can we do that? The different levels of ''sorrow'' they had leading up to repentance is an interesting this to apply to us too. 2:14, 4:4, 7:21, 15:20, 16:5, 16:39 in 1 Nephi. What was their attitude in each situation and what caused it? I just love the scriptures. Think when I get back I might just spend most of my time reading them, because we don't have enough here!

So, cats are fun...especially when they take a liking to your bag whenever you visit a house. Made me laugh. Ok, weird thing about Argentina. Women will just breast feed with no shame. It is absolutely incredible, not even a blanket or anything. Just pull the shirt up or down in the middle of a lesson and go for it. Can't think of many things that catch you more off guard than that...

I made alfredo sauce without a recipe this week! I was pretty proud of myself, I must admit. I was craving some and it ended up being a really good cheesy white sauce. You think you like ice cream in the states? You need to come down and try Victorias Helados. Oh my gosh, so good. Sure, it's 20 pesos for a half-kilo, which is double Grido's, but if you want good ice cream...

Just a good week.
E. Torres and I get along pretty well. The language barrier isn't a problem. Yeah, the two cultures colliding and adapting to each other takes some work, but we have the Lord's help, so it isn't too bad.

Yeah, it's good. I am still getting used to it, but I like Argentina alot. Still haven't really realized I'm HERE yet. Just feels like living.

Hello!
Your eldest son and missionary
Elder Joshua Duveua Wartena

I am so grateful this week for modern technology. To be able to actually hear from him weekly is such a comforting thing. He sounds well. Thanks to all of you for your support.

Signing off for now,

The Mama

Excerpts from this week's letter

Dear Madre,

I should probably say something about my week too. I put most of the info in the email to Dad, so I will not use time writing it here. I had fleas this week! Anti itch cream is SO NICE. They seem to have gone now (I think I got them from another elder…)
Argentina has orange trees! And lime, and lemon, pretty cool. Oh, I also saw a monkey climing a tree in someone´s backyard this week, that was pretty weird. We had a lunch with a nice member lady, and she had this ´´famous argentine food´´ that was almost exactly porcupine balls! The rice was in a sauce out of the meatballs, but thought you would all like to know you are already eating argentine food! Hmmmmm, the week has been pretty boring on this end, I don´t even have good pictures or anything!

Things I will never take for granted again:
Water pressure
Dryers (although using a line is nice for some reason)
Showering and using the bathroom barefoot
Peanut butter
Sliced bread (ridiculously expensive, those bagget thingies are real cheap though)
Cars and bikes
English, hahaha
Vacuums
Sidewalks

These are also some of the things I love most about argentina though.

Doo de doo.
So, I´ve been studying how to gain the spirit in teaching and bearing testimony, Preach my Gospel has great stuff! Chapter 4 I definitely recommend, and ch 11. Also studying charity (yeah for charity…) and have started Jesus the Christ again. Reading the BOM in English and Spanish at the same time, the tree of life is such and amazing couple of chapters! Really enjoying it.
I´m so glad to know you´re ok physically, Mom. I´m praying for you all down here, and working hard. Hope the blessings come through! Oh, good luck with the Organ! :D

And yes, I can print out the emails, no worries.
Well, I am going to run! Not literally, we´ll probably call a taxi (yeah, it´s pretty cool to use taxis and all…) and go eat! You see, it´s 11:30 here, and way nice outside!
I love you all! Thank you so much for the letters, prayers, and just being great.

Your son, brother, and missionary
Elder Joshua Duveau Wartena

Gunnar Ekelof wrote that every human being is allowed 180 seconds of pure and unmitigated happiness--not 180 seconds at once, but total over a lifetime.  I don't believe it.  Chris informed me that Josh should write approximately 104 emails during his mission, and that that adds up to 104 moments of pure joy for the Mama.  And then, if you multiply 104 emails by 6 sons it equals 624 moments of pure joy.  Ah, he is a sweet son.  He just likes knowing what his mom will be like while he is off serving a mission in 2 1/2 years.

Signing off for now,

The Mama

Josh is doing well in Tres Arroyos, Argentina.  Here are some excerpts from his last 
email dated October 12, 2009.
 
 
PHEW!  Ok, lots to type and all, so bear with me. Apparently it´s a holiday in ARG and  we didn´t get an internet cafe place until tonight, so sorry if I forget to say  or reply to some things. 
 
This week was really good! We had no investigators (yeah...) But through  knocking doors, we now have 7 new investigators!  
 
Augustine--we only taught her once, but have a return appointment this Tuesday. She is a  girl who is probably 15ish and was very interested and feeling the spirit.  
 
Familia Moro--Odd, we ended up teaching only the Dad, even though the son was who we originally taught. He was all ready to start reading the entire Book of Mormon for us, but we explained that he didn´t have to do that (but if he wanted to...) We´re excited for this family. 
 
Tayln(spelled wrong, I know it)--Older lady who let us in because we were wet (it rained ALOT this week) She is deaf in one ear, but once she got her hearing aid in, she was happy to listen. She is catholic, but then told us she doesn´t like her religion (most people are catholic, most don´t practice).   
 
Ailyn--Ok, so we had one kind of investigator. We started over though, and haven´t been able to get hold of her. We´re slightly nervous, but we´ll keep trying.  
 
Diana--She is one of three teenagers who yelled at us from the street when we were walking past this little clothes shop. Ended up teaching them and giving them all BOM and return apps at their houses. She was the only one who wanted to listen though, to the point where she was telling her friend Sol to be quite and sit down.  
 
Yeah! We had a full quarter of our zone´s new investigators. We´re also working with several inactive or part-member families. Yeah! Fun stuff, real work starts this week, when we have to keep the investigators, get them to church, find more, etc.  Ok, just saying that real quick. We walk alot in our area. Unfortunately, all our investigators are on the far side of town (literally the other side of the train tracks) but my legs feel great!
 
We had a zone conf. this week. All in Spanish, but I actually got alot of it.  After the 4th hour though, my brain was mush. Spanish is good though, I´m  learning so much every day and understanding a ton. The ward members are very  impressed with how much I can speak, so maybe it´s not as bad as I thought it was. 
 
The ward is great! Well, the Branch pres. is kinda odd, and his family, but apart from that they are all so loving and helpful. I have decided no one can ever say that getting up to bear your testimony is hard in an english ward. Ugh, but it was good though! 
 
So, random comment (these are all random, I´m writing as they come.) I went to the dist. leader zone meeting last night with our dist. leader on divisions (they needed to work in his area, so we split). Ever wondered what urinal stalls would be like without the urinals? Probably not, but they had them in the Necochea bus terminal! Yup, just water dripping down the stall wall into a channel in the floor. Kinda odd...  
 
Thank you so much for the pictures!!!! I´m uploading pictures now online for you to see, I´ll send the link too.
 
Mom, thank you so much for teaching me how to shop. I have found so many  different ways to combine rice, bread, veggies like potatos and carrots, meat, and eating oatmeal and eggs! We´re eating very well, don´t worry. Food is so dirt cheap here. Fruit and veggies like you wouldn´t belieive. I bought 30 eggs the other night for 8 pesos. (About 2 dollars) We even made chimichangas! And the members feed us two lunches a week, so we´re very good.
 
Haha, today Elder Van Wagenen (who is an awesome guy) insisted (along with me) that we clean the house. 2 hours later...I´ll send pictures next week when I get them! I have a before video, so you´ll be able to see. Elder Wiltbank insisted on the bathroom, while we did the kitchen. Yeah, our house smells so good now.
 
Ok, we have this awesome chrucho (aka, ghetto) washing machine in our house, I´m going to have to take a picture or something.  The weather has been quite horrible until today this week. Lots of rain, and  even some hail last night. But today it is nice and warm.  I´m already tired of people asking if I´m North American, but everyone seems to be intrigued by my name. "Si, es Hollandes!"  Also, they are really into family down here, we get showed pictures of family all the time, and I´m glad I have that little picture of you guys I carry around laminated. You´re a big hit in ARG, btw.  
 
Hmmmm, I´m going to end this one and finish the pictures, I will send more though! 
 
Your Elder,
Elder Joshua Wartena 
 
Here is a link to the pictures he uploaded.  Have fun viewing his new area.
http://s241.photobucket.com/albums/ff203/crazyjuggler/
 
Signing off for now,
The Mama