Doing our Best to Serve the Lord

-


Buenos Aires, Argentina temple
Looking forward to attending the day after Thanksgiving.

Sometimes as full time missionaries we fall short. At least, that's how it feels. We have some things to work on and we keep going. We are here because we both have a testimony of Jesus Christ. We are here because we love Jesus Christ, know that he is our Lord, Savior and Redeemer. Even though our efforts fall short, knowing the role that Jesus Christ needs to play in our lives keeps us going. My seminary teacher called the Savior "the master". One day a classmate finally asked him why he used that label. His answer still rings true, "we want him to be the master of our lives, don't we?". Amen, Brother Clark. Amen. 

Had a birthday. I am now officially the oldest senior missionary serving in the Area Office. Bummer. The other senior missionaries come together so well to celebrate these occasions. The Gonzalez’s, the couple that helped us get adjusted in the ward, headed home to Draper, Utah a few days ago, now that their 23-month commitment has been fulfilled. They will be missed. Brother Gonzalez has a birthday soon and not only did we give him a nice little send off, the organizers added him to the other birthdays. There was a nice luncheon and two of the sisters baked cakes. From scratch. Baking here is not easy. As a result, their efforts are even more special and appreciated.  

Met with the area historian. She is based in Uruguay so having the internet and apps like Zoom make working together convenient.  I get to help her compile the annual historical report. The 2024 report, due last March, needs to be completed first. The deadline is December 1 of this year. Needless to say, I’ve been a bit busy. Of course, when I say I’ve been busy, it’s hurry up and wait sometimes. The project itself and the area historian with whom I am working are really terrific! It’s especially nice to work with someone who appreciates my help. In the past, the whole thing has been compiled by month. For this one, it’s going to be organized by department. It will save so much time! The 2025 document will be organized by month. That will take more work but there is also more time.  

Mike will be busy again soon. Isn’t that statement odd considering we are missionaries? Don’t we all assume that all missionaries are busy, busy, busy 24/7? Well, many are busy all the time. But not us. There is also a cultural difference here. A sense of urgency is rare to see here. That’s a recurring theme in every update, isn’t it? 

The temple project Mike was assigned has now been completed and he is waiting for the materials for the next big project. It’s working on contracts, his favorite, so he will be in hog heaven when he receives the needed contracts.  Again, urgency anyone? 

My Spanish studies are progressing. A little. I’ve memorized a couple of prayers and the next item to learn is sharing my testimony. Since having a testimony of Jesus Christ and his church is why we are here this shouldn’t be too tough. Um, well, that’s the theory.  My tutor is helpful and so supportive but … I am not learning very quickly. It’s frustrating. My memory just isn’t what it was not that long ago. Please add me to your prayers. I need help.  

The relaying of the brick on the street where we live continues. We thought if we paid attention to when they start in the morning, we could get up before the noise and it wouldn’t be as jolting. Well … that’s a great idea if they started at the same time every day. Looks like one more week and they should be done with that project. 

That’s what’s happening in our world. Hope you are all healthy and happy. Love you all! 


On going road work. Not an urgent project but it's getting done.


The city of Buenos Aires does something really great. You never have to look for a trash can. There is at least one on ever block and they appear to be emptied regularly. 




What the heck? Where are the Thanksgiving decorations? 
DUH.
Most of us have actually blocked out Thanksgiving Day
and the day after in our calendar as days out of the office 
to be sure our Argentine friends don't try to schedule meetings on those days. 







Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Goodness of God and Angels on Earth

-
Image
  This is Elder Tim Hansen. He and his wife Bev, are among the angels on earth with whom we serve.  This conversation, in impeccable Argentine Spanish, was a delight to see.  Any wonder that this man was a pediatric anesthesiologist?  The Hansen's moved to St. George shortly before their mission. Isn't that wonderful for us!? On a senior mission, we interact with angels every day. No. Not the kind of angels we usually think of, extra terrestial beings who come and go in our lives. No. These are human angels, an extraordinary group of senior missionaries. They love the Argentine people, they love each other, laugh together and serve each other. Sometimes there are things going on at home that, even if they were home they couldn't do anything to help the situation, but it's hard to see grown children going through difficulties and be so far away. It's wonderful that in many cases, senior missionaries go home for a period of time to assist when a new baby is born, ther...
Read more

Happy New Year!

-
Image
  One of the many beautiful Nativity scenes we have seen this year. Argentines may not do much to do with Christmas in the lead up but their homes frequently feature the birth of Jesus.  It's been a while since I sent out a blog. I have to be inspired to have something to say. 😅 On January 5, we will be here six months, as missionaries almost seven months. Time flies. The folks leaving the mission in April, three couples, are all starting the process of setting up their lives at home.  Every couple in this group of senior missionaries has an amazing story to tell about how they got here. Many miracles and tender mercies, just like us. We know that we are blessed to be sent here and taken in by these lovely people. They continue to teach and inspire. Added December 30. A couple of days ago, one of the senior couples traveling by bus, had one of their phones stolen. A traveler elbowed Elder Richardson's chin, grabbed his phone, jumped off the bus and into a car that had pu...
Read more

Today? WOW.

-
Image
  Elder and Sister Dube, doctors who received a donation from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Elder and Sister Renlund, Elder and Sister Eduardo Gavarret Today was a Wow Day.  If you are a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, you probably do not know that members of Quoram of 12 Apostles are assigned various areas across the globe to work with directly. This is a five year assignment. For the past week, Elder Dale G. Renlund has been in the area meeting with leaders, mission leaders, missionaries, local ward and stake leaders. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/dale-g-renlund?lang=spa Not only did his wife, Ruth, come with him, Elder Edward Dube of the Seventy was his campanion. Elder Dube's wife, Naomi, was with him.  Elder Dube and his wife attended our Sacrament Meeting. Their talks were lovely. It's amazing to see how these good men make themselves as available as possible to speak to everyone after the meeting who wants t...
Read more