Week 45: Shipped off to San Juan

Hello Everyone! 

I hope that everything is going well and that your week went really well also.

This week has been really busy, and we have been working really really hard.

So last week on Monday, we went over to the Castro family´s house for an Asado, which was so so so good.  They taught me how to do it too so I can go home doing the Asado haha.  Then, they gave me a ¨Boca¨ Jersey, which was so nice of them.

Then, on Tuesday, it was time to split Colonia Bombal.  As I was about to leave, I was filled with so much gratitude for that area, and the trials and blessings that I experienced there.  We never baptized, but I know that I gave my all and offered a worthy sacrifice unto the Lord in this area.

Then, we left on the bus, to go to the bus terminal.  From there, we hopped on one of those cool two-story buses, and rode for 2 hours to San Juan, and then I met my knew companion, Elder Hoagland, from Beaverton, Oregon.  He is 26 and served in Communications in the air force before the mission.  He is an obedient, really kind guy.  

So, as for the area.  It is very different from Colonia Bombal.  We live in a city, which is way nice now haha.  The people are more friendly in this area, which is such a blessing haha.  However, the past missionaries haven't focused much in investigators, so we basically have to start from scratch.

Because of the lack of investigators, we have been working so incredibly hard haha.  I don't think I have worked so hard ever.  Each day, I hit the pillow so so so exhausted and in pain, but knowing that I've done my part in the Lord´s work for that day.  Satisfaction in the work is truly a miracle and a blessing.  

When the last Elder left the area, he left 2 people, Alejandro and Magdalena, with a baptismal date for this next Saturday.  We went over to their house on Wednesday to meet them, and they seemed shocked to see me and not the other Elder.  I tried to be really nice and happy and helpful and explain what happened, however, they dropped us the next day and gave us no reason why, but I suspect that it is because they were converted to that Elder haha.  

We have been talking to a LOT of people in the street, which has been hard, but it all was worth is and we are seeing a few miracles already.

We were trying to find a former investigator, but couldn't find the house, so we knocked on a door, and a man, Luis, came out.  He told us that he didn't know where the guy we were looking for lived, so I presented ourselves and asked if we could teach him.  He told us that he wasn't interested, so I started to ask him for a reference, when he suddenly said that he doesn't like churches since he feels emptiness in churches, and that he is looking for the truth.  He also described the trials he is going through.  I almost screamed with joy when I heard all that, and we will have an appointment with him on Wednesday!

We also had the opportunity to teach a man named Elias.  When he walked out of his house, he definitely looked kinda gangter-ish, and he was smoking quite a bit.  Then, he invited us in.  We taught the first lesson, and I was BLOWN AWAY by how well he understood it.  Like he understood everything!  It was just so incredible and I cant wait to teach him again.  

Funny

We went to the house of a less active woman for dinner one day this week, and she was giving us a ton of food, and she gave us Morcilla, which is a coagulated pig blood sausage.  It doesn't taste that great.  Anyways, we were eating, and I saw that Elder Hoagland started to eat his.  Well, as soon as he put it in his mouth, he started gagging uncontrollably.  I was trying to hard to not laugh and we got out of the house as soon as possible so the members wouldn't see him.  

A few days ago I was cooking milaneses in hot oil, and I dropped a milanesa into the pan.  Well, it caused a tsunami wave of boiling hot oil to fly out of the pan, and straight onto my bare leg.  Im sure Elder Hoagland and a great show while I ran around the pench yelling haha.

Overall, I'm excited to be in this area, and I love the district.  We have some really great Elders and Hermanas, and we are all going to do something for Pday today.  

I Love You All So Much!

Elder Conover


The District!

I got the package!!!  I love it!

Elder Escobar


This is my hot chocolate mug




I bought a can of peaches without a can
opener




I love the pillowcase everyone signed

These cookies are so good.

Week 44: And That's A Wrap

Hello Everyone!

It was a very interesting week, and it ended my time here in Colonia Bombal.  I received the call last night that I am leaving, but I will talk about that a little bit more later.  

First off, on PDAY, we went with some other Elders to San Martin, and we played soccer with all gringos, which was way fun.  

On Tuesday, we had the district meeting, and then after, we went to the hospital, because my toe had some pain, and I was afraid of that since I got it operated on before.  They took an Xray, and then we got back to the area at about 6:30 in the afternoon, and I felt sick and had a headache so we went and picked up clothes and then I went to rest cause I felt terrible haha.  

Anyways, we got to have exchanges on Wednesday until Thursday in Maipu, which were great, but it was so weird to be working without bikes.  It was quite strange haha.  

During studies on Thursday, I had a really cool experience.  I decided to study Enos 1, and it was such a blessed study.  I felt the spirit so much and received so much guidance from the Lord.  The Lord truly watches over us and allows us to be guided by his merciful hand when we allow him into our lives and do the things he wants us to do.  

The next couple of days, we worked hard setting appointments and contacting people, but unfortunately, all but one of the appointments fell through, but we did get to go into the Ribeiro Family´s house.  We gave a small message because their kid is insane and drives the spirit out, but they are still interested in the church and want to learn more and more.  When I went to say goodbye to them, they said that they believe that God wanted us to find them because they needed it.  So cool!  It has been a blessing of the Lord to be able to find them and get to know them.  

Anyways, we had an appointment with Maria (the woman who we gave a blessing to) and unfortunately, she dropped us.  Her husband doesnt want us to come, so we cant do much.  That made us sad, but we have confidence in the Lord that we know that we have done our part and she will someday hear the truth of the restored Gospel.  

Sunday was great, because we had ward conference, and the meetings were inspiring.  Then, at the end, I got to say goodbye to all the ward members, and take pictures and what not.  It was a great blessing because no matter how hard an area is, the Lord blesses us with so much love.

Sunday night, I got a call from my trainer, Elder Ribeiro.  He told me that last week, Sergio, the man that we taught in San Miguel, died.  And, as a result, Ines is super sad, but she wants to feel better, and that she will be baptized on this coming Saturday.  So, this morning, Elder Sorenson and I took a bus to San Miguel to see her and Facundo, the boy that we baptized there.  It was such a sweet visit, and such a blessing.  I noticed that now I can speak spanish, since I can understand the people there more now.  During our visit with Ines, we saw a lot of pictures of the savior and of the temple that were not there before, where there we catholic saints before.  When she opened the door, she exclaimed in happtiness to see me, which just warmed my soul.  She told me how much it hurt, but that she feels at peace and knows that he is still around in spirit.  And, the missionaries told me that her kids are now taking the discussions.  SUCH A BLESSING!  

Then, I had the opportunity to go see Facundo, who is still active in the church! Such a Stud!

Finally, transfer calls!  I am leaving Colonia Bombal, and I am going to an area called Krause in San Juan!  My companion will be Elder Hoagland from Beaverton, Oregon.  I also will have the opportunity to be a district leader.  I am super excited to be able to get to know another part of the mission and the people there.  The Lord is blessing me!

Funny

This week, we had lunch with the familia anguita.  They made a really yummy food called ¨Pastel de Papas.¨ I love that food, so I ate a TON, and they kept telling me to eat more and more.  Then, she brought out the dessert.  Suddenly, I felt a little rumbly going down in my stomach, so I ran into the bathroom in case I threw up.  Then, World War III started,  Literally everything came out right there in their bathroom.  I was sitting there throwing up for like 3 mins, as more and more came.  I was quite impressed with how much came out hahaha.  But, then I had to get the mop and clean up the floor, the shower curtain, and the toilet.  During lunch on Friday, I lost all missionary dignity hahahaha.  

We were playing soccer on Monday, and one Elder got kicked in the leg, and yelled out in pain.  Right when he yelled, someone kicked the ball really hard straight into his face hahaha.  We couldnt stop laughing.

I Love You All So Much!

Elder Conover


Me and Hermana Ines!!!!!!!!!!


Ines´ Crazy Dog


the Arce family


the Bradley Family!  They are so amazing


Emmanuel.  Such a stud of a Ward Mission Leader.



























Hermano Zeballos


The Beltran Family


The Vale Family


The Aguilar Family


The Anguita Family! (I threw up in their house)


The Castro and Juarez Families


The Bishop´s Family! La Familia Quilpatay


This is Emmanuel´s Dog haha


The Ribeiro Family.  They Are So Awesome.


The Herrera Family (They are nice people they just dont smile for cameras)


Elder Williams.  I Was there when he was born


Elder Freeman (Hombre Gratis)


Facundo!


Facundo grew his hair out quite a bit haha

Week 43: Another Week In Colonia Bombal

Hey Guys!

Like the subject says, another week in Colonia Bombal, and still just working and teaching as much as we can.  Quite a few things happened this week, and it brought its own challenges and blessings.  

First off, Pday was not exactly the best one we ever have done haha.  Some things happened and we spent the whole day on buses basically haha.  

On Tuesday, we were supposed to have companionship exchanges, but someone tried to break into the District Leader´s pension, so we canceled intercambios, which was hard since we had no appointments, but it is alright.  

After a few days of going by, we found Anestacio, and he told us that he didn't want to talk to us anymore.  That was hard to hear, and I spoke very strongly and directly, but with love.  The Spirit was strong, and I could feel guidance as I spoke, but I think I scared my comp since I was testifying so hard haha.  We will be passing by his house again to find him when he is sober. 

This week, we also got to teach Maria (the woman who came to church)  with a couple from the ward.  We taught her about the restoration, and it was a good lesson, but she told us that she feels like she has betrayed the catholic church for talking to us and going to church, and that she feels guitly.  However, she accepted another appointment for Saturday.  

This week, we also got to teach the Familia Ribeiro, who have three kids and THEY ARE MARRIED WOOOOO!!!  We will teach them this week with the bishop.  

On Friday, I don't know why, but I woke up feeling really sad, and just super duper lonely inside.  It really hurt and it was a hard morning.  I continuted with my exercises, preparation, etc.  Then, we started scripture study, and after I prayed for a while, I read a scripture that really helped me.

¨And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree.¨ (1 Nephi 8:24)

It is so true, the mist of darkness comes upon all of us at some point, but those that CLING to the rod of iron, or the scriptures, and press forward with faith are always blessed to emerge from it and taste of the joy of the gospel.  The Lord really blessed me to learn that Friday morning, and it gave me so much comfort and joy.  

Afterwards, we got to teach Maria (the woman we gave the blessing to)  about the Sabbath Day, since it has been hard to get her to come to church.  We read in Exodus, as well as Doctrine and Covenants 59, and it was a great lesson.  She understood well, and she felt she needs to go.  She committed to come to church this coming sunday no matter what, so we are excited!

Anyways, on Saturday, we had a pretty eventful day.  It was been really really cold here, especially on the bikes, and my coat was covered in frost that morning.  We found four new investigators with good potential that day, and one of them does wooden art carvings, so he is discounting it for us!  Woo!  

When we went to Maria´s house (the one who went to church)  she told us that she didn't want to listen to us and that she wanted to return the Book of Mormon and the pamphlets that we had given her.  We asked her if we could talk to her for a few minutes, she said yes, so we sat down outside.  We then read from Galatians about the fruits of the spirit, and when we finished, I asked her if ¨guilt¨ is part of the feelings of the spirit, and she said no.  We testified so hard that the feelings she had were not of God, and that she must choose the right.  The Spirit was strong, and she is going to allow us to come back in the next week, however, she is still way shaky.  Please keep Maria in your prayers.  

Funny

We went to go knock doors one day this week, and it was Elder Sorenson´s turn.  When the woman came out, he said ¨Hi! Im Elder Conover, and this is my companion, Elder C.......Sorenson¨ hahahaha and then the lady just rejected us so hard.  I was laughing so hard, especially with the confusion on his face when he realized he had called me Elder Sorenson.  

During that same time knocking doors, I wanted to make things a little more interesting, so I played a game where I tried to slip in the English word ¨eggs¨ into my spanish conversation without them noticing.  It was pretty funny hahaha.

On Friday, we rode really really far to contact people, and we were riding down a dirt road.  Something to know about my comp is that he HATES barking dogs.  He has very little patience for them.  As we were riding, a german sheppard went after him, and Elder Soreson got distracted and was looking back at the dog, and ran into my bike.  When he hit my bike, it sent him and his bike into the ground into an epic crash.  It was so cool, and hilarious, until we realized it messed up my bike and we had to walk two and a half hours to get home.  

Finally, we found a drunk guy laying on the side of the road with his bike next to him.  We were passing him, but I didnt want to be the priest from the story of the good samaritan, so I turned around.  He was so out of it, and just couldn't even talk.  An hour later, we passed by again, and sure enough, he was still there, and the poor dude had been robbed of his bike, and he had no idea.  I tried to tell him, and to help him out, but then he just started mumbling jibberish, so that was way fun.  

I love you guys so much!

Elder Conover

This is Corbin.  He is 11 and he is a gringo.  He lives in our

area, is being reactivated and now coming to church, and he

can speak perfect english.  They invited us to have pancakes

and maple syrup with them!

The Familia Castro showed up randomly and just gave us a 

TON of food

It is cold, so my hands are always purple

Warming up my feet with the heater.  i couldn't feel them

for most of the week.

This is maria who we gave the blessing to......she has a pet duck.

The Zeballos Family!

I'm teaching myself to cook.....I made banana bread!

cool pic my comp took

Aguante Huracán!!! HLH!

I bought an HLH shirt.  It is the soccer team in

my first Area HURACAN!

Week 42: Going Out For A Choripan

Hey Guys!

Elder Conover down here in Mendoza, working ourselves to death haha.  

This week was very interesting.  We had a ton of potential to just have the best week ever, but unfortunately, Satan got all up in our business and kinda derailed a few things.  However, the Lord did bless us with an investigator with some SERIOUS potential.  

Bueno, first off, on Monday, we went to the aquarium in Mendoza, and it cost like $2.50.  And, we know why....it wasn't that cool haha.  They did have a sea turtle though haha.  There really is absolutely nothing, but we found a fun playground so that was interesting.  

We also got to teach Jenifer, the girl who was supposed to get baptized this coming Saturday.  We taught her on Monday, and we talked a lot about baptism, but her mom is catholic and doesn't want her to be baptized, which is super difficult.  So unfortunately, Jenifer will not be baptized this week.  

One day, as we were riding, we passed a man that was smoking, and as we passed him, I felt like I should talk to him.  So, I turned around, and I went up to him and introduced myself.  He took a big puff of his cigarrette, and just blasted ¨I'm Catholic¨ in my face.  That was fun.  However, I kept pushing, and we started a conversation, and he told me that his wife had died.  I asked him if he knew where she is, and he said he doesn't.  I just testified of the after life and that families can be eternal, and he invited us to come back.  We have an appointment with them this week!  We must always listen to the Spirit!

On Thursday, we were super excited since we had an appointment with a family and this really awesome RM, David Aguilar.  David came and picked us up, and we headed over to the house.  Unfortunately, they were not home, and David´s car was out of gas, so we had to go to the gas station.  After, we only had like 10 mins to get back to the pension, and we were no where near anything.  David asked us if we were hungry, and we kinda laughed.  He asked why we laughed, and we told him since we ran out of money for the week, we didn't have food in the pension.  He then went and bought us a Choripan, which is a really good sandwich sausage thing, and he bought us a coke and he just drove us to another area and we just hung out in the car and ate for a few minutes.  I don't know why, but it just hit me so hard.  Just the amount of love that he showed us right then really got me and it just made me cry, since we just hadn't had someone do something like that for months.  It was such a tender mercy and David is the best guy in the whole world.  

This week, we also had an awesome zone conference, which was way good, and we learned a lot and felt the spirit a ton.  It is amazing how fast time is going now.  

On Saturday morning, when we woke up, I felt really really tired and just unmotivated to work again, which is NOT good as a missionary.  I went into the other room and I just offered a gratitude prayer.  Literally right when I stood up I felt 100 times better, and it followed me through the whole day.  It was incredible.

That same day, we got to teach Maria Avalos, a new investigator.  We taught her about the gospel of Jesus Christ, and we invited her to baptism.  She didn't accept, but we can just tell she has SO MUCH potential, and then she came to church!  She loved it and the whole ward befriended her so much it was awesome.  

Finally, after church yesterday, we went to Anestacio´s house, the man who had stopped drinking.  However, he was drunk out of his mind, so we couldn't teach.  

Some other stuff happened on Sunday with fallen appointments, so there isn't much to talk about haha, but the Lord blessed us so much with Maria and that she is progressing!

Funny

We were at the playground and Elder Levander tried to jump off the swing.  He messed up, and just fell flat on his bottom from super high up. Hahahaha it was so awesome and we couldn't stop laughing.

We were riding fast at night, and we turned onto a dirt road.  We passed under a tree, and I felt a twig hit my helmet.  Then, I hit a full on branch, but luckily I had the helmet on so it didnt hurt.  Right after, I heard SMACK, and Elder Sorenson hit the same branch.  

Elder Sorenson ¨I just hit a tree¨

Elder Conover ¨No way so did I!¨

When we were at Anestacio´s house, and he was super drunk, he started asking us how to say things in English 

Him: ¨Como se dice, Como Esta?¨

Me: ¨How Are You¨

Him: ¨Como se dice, Como Le Va?¨ 

Me: ¨Popsicle¨

Him: ¨Como se dice mi nombre?¨

Me: ¨Anestacio is drunk out of his mind¨ 

I amazed him.  

Love you guys!

Elder Conover


David getting us Choripan's


Argentine Aquarium


They didn't have much to see at the aquarium but
they did have a sea turtle!



A park we found outside the aquarium.








Getting ready to scrub the mud off the bike