¡Feliz Año Nuevo!

    Man, it was so good to see you all. The best christmas present ever. Presents are overrated anyways right mom. And dont worry Mom, you have no idea how nice it was to have some real candy from the states! Everybody is so grown up. Ty and Levi are seriously so big now. I couldnt believe it. And they both are talking so much. Seriously so cute! I loved watching them ride their little roaler coaster. I need one of those for the pench! Tan Man, you are a stud. I want to see another ring next chrismtas as well haha. Jordan and Janae, stop growing up and getting so dang beautiful. Wait until I get home to beat up those boys!! Dallin, besides those cool scars, it doesnt seem like you were ever in an accident. You seriously looked so good. And I realized that I even missed your teasing a little bit haha! But you better be able to back up all that trash talking on the court when I get home. Im super excited to have these new nephews! Mom, it was just so good to hear your voice, Dad it was so good to see you and have somebody to talk sports with (nobody in my district or zone knows much about sports back in the states haha), but I didnt appreciate your taunting with the cinnamon rolls and rice crispie treats haha. Tj, thank you so much for all of your help with your help with skyping, and Im looking forward to playing some soccer with you when I get back! Oh Dad, you said you havent gotten to see any of the boal games, but did Arizona make it to a bowl game?

    So this week was pretty good. We recieved a reference for a girl named Leticia Quidoga. All of her family are members and innactive. For a long time the dad wouldnt let anybody go to church. But they just got a divorce with him and now the mom wants to return to church, Letecia is the 20 year old daughter that in one way or another got skipped and didnt get baptized. But she promised her grandmother before she passed away that she would get baptized. we taught her about baptism and put a baptismal date with her for the 11 of january. And she even has a goal to go to the tample a year after her baptism. So super exciting. But during the lesson we had with her, I had one of the biggest temptations of my mission. Her older brother was watching tv in the smae room as us, and sportscenter came on with basketball highlights. Dang, what a test of obedience. Luckilly I was teaching at the time and just kept focused on the lesson and the brother turned it off before I finished. Way crazy.

    I had exchanges this past week with one of our zone leaders named Elder Yao. He was born in China and lived there for 18 years but then moved to Buenos Aires and lived in a Chinese neighborhood there with his cousin. He met the missionaries there, was baptised, and year later was called here on a mission. But he never learned spanish until here on the mission. It is super tought to understand him at times. Just picture a super heavy asian accent mixed with spanish. But a way sick kid and a great missionary. It was a way fun exchange and I learned a lot!

    Patricia is still doing great. Having a few difficulties with gettting her married because the place to get married is closed for the whole month of January. So she cant get a date set up for her wedding until February. So there is a good chance that I could be leaving Alvear before then since I already have 4 months here!

   Well, Im excited for this new year. I will be beginning my black year (being here for the whole year of 2014). Jess Im sorry  that you have to be in by 6. We get to be out until 11:45 as long as we are in a house with members and recieve a ride home with the members. It was the same with Christmas Eve as well!

    Well, thank you all so much for everything. I love you all and happy new years!!

Elder Wengert-W9

2 days!!

First off sorry! I dont have much time to write this week beause of our singing on the radio today. But at least we get to see eachother on Wednesday right?!! But here are a few pictures from my week. Love you all so much!!
1. We had our branch christmas party. They were doing a manger scene, and a few of the members didnt show up. So the other is Elder Delgado who had to be a shepard, I I got thrown in as Joseph haha. (I know, we didnt quite have as good as costumes as you guys).

2. The mission party! I got to see part of my MTC district for the first time since the MTC, or since New Hampshire with Elder Varney.

3. Santa even came to the mission party. (He was actually one of the senior missionaries haha)

¡Feliz Navidad!

     Haha, like Jess said, Im glad to know home hasnt changed at all. Falling chocolate fountains, crashing cars, loosing wallets and keys, and games. Good ol home haha! But I am sorry about your carola momma. And I am so glad to hear grandpas surgery went so well and is continuing to progress and get better. I think all he needs is a good cup of mate haha! And Dad, sounds like Arizona continues to impress. I love the sound of that! Well the heat continues to be blazin here in alvear. But the fan is a life saver and im actually able to get some sleep! Naes good luck on spanish final. Maybe we can speak in spanish now when I skype for christmas haha! Jordy, how was winter formal? How are you old enough to go anyway. Holy cow!! And where are some pictures? Tan Man, what sports are you tearin it up in now?

     Well here in our branch we have an hermano that works with one of the radio stations here in Argentina. And yesterday at church he asked us if next pday we can come and sing some christmas songs for the station and they are going to broadcast it on the radio haha! Except I think that im going to playing the piano, which is pobably better since my piano playing is much better than my singing voice! But it will be interesting how that turns out haha!

     Oh, before i forget to tell you, Im pretty sure I can skype at 12 here, so 8 for you guys back at home. I need to find out what time Elder Evans is going to be skyping at, but Im almost positive that it will work for me at that time!

    Well, this week was a little tough, but we saw many miracles as well. A little tough because we struggled getting into houses to teach. Cita after cita fell. But the Lord knows where he wants us and when we need to be there. Saturday I was on exchanges with Elder Cofer, a brand new elder from texas. He only has 2 weeks here in Argentina. But we were walking down the street after having an appoitment fall through. And this lady who was in front of her house calls us over. So we went over there and she asked if we were the mormons. After she told us "my son is a member of your church and he lives in St. George Utah. He has a strong testimony, and it really impresses me. Can you teach me more?". I basically was in shock and half expected to hear the words "Hallelujah" being sung from the heavens haha. She said I cant listen right now because i am leaveing to go to mendoza. But she gave us her phone number and told us to call her this week to set up a time to meet. Truly a tender mercy of the Lord and a great miracle.

    We had another lesson with Amalia and Emedito Muñoz (the 80 year old couple) that went great. Emedito read some of the book of mormon and prayed about it. We asked him if recieved an answer and he said "i have no idea" haha. So we changed our lesson plan and talked about the holy ghost and how to recognize answers from the Lord. And at the end Amalia asked us about church and what we do there. So we went on talking about the importance of church and about the sacament. We invited them to come to church with us and amalia said "SI" all excitedly, but Emedito said no. But Amalia was just like why?!! But in the end they ended up not coming. But they are super close and believe that they have been prepared by the Lord. They are just the sweetest old people ever. Amalia always trys to give us her chair, even though she is 88 years and barely stand up on her own haha.

    And Patricia is doing great. She finished the papers and will be taking our her turno or her turn this week. So that is when we will know the date of the wedding and when we can put a bautismal date with her. She is super excited!

    Well, we are playng some futbal today and then we have to get ready to leave early tomorrow morning to go to Mendoza for the mission christmas party. Way exciting! Presiente Avila rented a double decker bus to come pick up all of us missinaries from here in alvear and in san rafael. So that will be way fun. Basically another 5 hour party there on the bus haha! Well, thank you so much for all of your love and support. I hope you all have a great week and I look forward to hearing from all of you next week on pday, and expecially christmas to skype. Love you!

Elder Wengert-W9

Just another day in paradise!!

Hello everybody,

       First, im sorry that all of you didnt get an email from me yesterday. We found out late last week that we had Zone Conference yesterday down in San Rafael with Presidente. So because of that we have pday today! Sorry if you freaked out a little Mom. I kind of enjoyed picturing it though and getting a good little laugh about it! So sounds like a crazy week. And Grandpa is in my prayers for sure!! So here, we are 4 hours ahead of you guys. So I sure hope we can end up doing a 3 way skype. That would be amazing! But what is your skype name? And right now I have one package, but im sure more are on there way! No we dont have a tree yet, but soon. I am determined to bring some kind of lights here. Nobody uses Christmas lights here because of how hot it arleady is. Oh speaking of heat, we were able to get a fan for the pench, so you dont need to send me one! Sounds like the Christmas devotional was awesome. We didnt get to watch it here because it didnt start until 10:00. I really wish I could have though. Dang, U of A is number 1. That is so awesome!! I would love it if they could go all the way this season!

       Well, the Zone conference was amazing yesterday! President spoke to us about how missionary work is like a train. We must use the Holy Ghost, prayer, the Book of Mormon, asisting church, and our desire to find (all of these principles were a different cart). And baptism with conversion was the caboose. And the conductors of the train werent just us missionaries, but the ward council as well. It is so important to work with the members. (jess, that is so awesome how much you are working with the members in your ward. It is super hard for use here. Our branch isnt very strong. But we have really focused on strengthing the members and the branch is doing better now). But if we leave one of those principles out, that conversion is leaft behind and that train has broken. He was able to explain it a lot better than I can. And then our mission here has really started to focus using mormon.org. I dont know how it is for you jess, but here we now are being offered one hour a week to get onto mormon.org as a companionship to look for things to use for our investigators. And to make our on spanish profile to share with people.

      This week was both super tough but super rewarding at the same time. First, one thing that we have been struggling with is finding new investigators. So Saturday we set out to find news. Talking with everybody (which during the siesta is just about nobody, it´s rediculous)! But we talked to this older lady. We learned that she couldnt speak or hear. So we took out our agendas and we talkd to her about the restauration by writing sentences out. And in the end she was interested and asked us to come back. Its going to be super difficult, but with lord, anything is possible. We ended up finding 4 more news that day. Truly a miracle! And two of them is and older couple named Amalia and Muño. Both of them are about 80 years old. But they are just the sweetest couple ever and we have a return appoitment with them for tomorrow!

     But like I said, this week was tough as well. We taught Tito again saturday night and told us that he only believes in God when we are there, but when we arent he thinks the Lord is a bad guy because he allowed his mom to pass away from lung cancer after smoking her whole life. So we tried teaching him about agency and how we are given difficult trials to grow. And that in the end, the Lord knows us personally and knows what is best for us. But he ended up telling us the he wasnt interested anymore not to come back. So hard. I just wanted to cry right there in front of him. We had learned to love this guy so much and we know how much he can be blessed if he will just accept our message and the Lord as his father in heaven. But in the end, he has his own agency.

      But Patricia is doing great! She should find out the date of their wedding this week (they cant pick here, it gets assigned). So then we can finally put a fecha with her. She is super excited!

     Well this is an exciting time of year, no matter where you are. The birth of Christ changed the world, now we need to accept it and let it change our lives personally. Next week we have our mission christmas conference in Mendoza. Im super excited. I will get to see Elder Varney for the first time since I leaft New Hampshire. But no matter how much fun this holiday is, we need to always keep the name of Chirst written in our hearts and always remember the type of love the had for us!

       I love you all so much!! Be safe I cant wait to see you all on skype. Have a great week and I will talk to you next week. ¡Feliz Navidad!

Elder Wengert-W9

Photos

¡December!

Hello,

     Im not going to lie, to me it does not feel like December at all. Im not supposed to be sweating to death when its only a few weeks away from Christmas. But its all good, all part of the mission experience. But Dad, we actually will be able to skype from here for christmas. So I will need to your skype name and stuff! Sounds like it was an amazing Thanksgiving for everybody. Those pies look so delicious haha! We didnt get to do anything for Thanksgiving, just a antoher day in the field. But its fine because we have christmas in less than a month!! And to top off your week with going to the temple!! So awesome. Really miss going to the temple. But I will get to do a session in Buenos Aires before I came home. So only 16 months haha! But the temple experience is always so much sweeter when you have family names, and the the work of family history is so important. There wasnt too much of it going on here since they would have to travel all the way to Buenos Aires or to Santiago Chile. But lately the stake here, Estaca San Rafael, has really bumped it up. Its been way cool to see. Jordy and Naes good job with your tournament. Sounds like you did pretty good. And speaking of basketball, Arizona beat Duke!! That is sick!! haha. Sounds like the cats should a good season! Oh, and that movie, the Saravo Approach, sounded pretty interesting. Dont worry, we are pretty safe here haha! Dad, sorry you dont have much help with the lights this christmas. Tan Mans got it, he is a stud! And sounds like the tree looks way awesome. We will be getting our Christmas tree soon! Well i got a few letters this week. And first, please thank Sister Bruse! She is the sweetest lady ever. I got 5 letters from her, and she writes me every week. She asked if she could be added onto my emailing group so can you please get me her email. And then i got a package from Sister McKinley from the ward, letters from the relief society. So please thank her and the RS!

     Oh, so we got our transfer calls last night and im staying here in Alvear for another transfer, and with Elder Evans. So I will get to spend Christmas here with my boy haha!

     Well one morning this week we woke up to the sound of raining, but i looked outside to nothing. So we went outside of the pench and one of our water pipes had broken and water was spraying everywhere haha. So i went outside and was able to repair. I came back inside feeling like Fix it Felix, but it only lasted like 15 minutes and it broke again. And because of how argentina works, we couldnt get somebody to come fix it until after the siesta. So that menas that guy came at like 7 to fix it. So that water was poaring out all day because turning off the water would shut off the water to the whole complex. So now it looks like we have a little swamp in the little back yard we have. I half expect an alligator to come jumping out of it at times!

       We had a pretty good week this week and had some great and powerful lessons. First we are still working with Tito. He is doing much better than before and continues to progress every lesson. Except he was a little confused when we taught him the law of chastity and kept saying, Elders im 65 years old and live with my sister, I wont have any problems with this haha. It was pretty funny. He has gotten a little better with the smoking but is still at like 12 each day. Way better than the 60 before. But we just need to crack down on him at get him to drop the last bit. He has a fecha for the 21 of december (yes mom, that means a baptismal date). So dad, we have good chances for a white christmas. Even with how hot it is here!

      We had a pretty crazy lesson yesterday with a less active family, the Familia Lopez. Well actually just with Hermano Lopez. We have been working with them for while and just dont want to do anything. But we felt pretty strong that we needed to just be firm with him. So we told him that he was not a good example for his family and asked him what he was doing. We went on and talked about how Christ was the light of the world, and how now he needed to be this same light for his family and especially for his children. It was the first time and have been so stern with somebody like that and i was pretty nervous about this lesson. But he really took it in and was even crying during the lesson. He said that he was now going to be that example and be better for his family. It just shows how it always works out if we follow the spirit.

      Patricia is also doing very well. she will be finishing up her papers this week for marriage, which means baptism right after. She is seriously an amazing lady. Probably one of the strongest members we have in our branch, and she isnt even baptized haha! So im super excited for her. So once again Dad, snow is in the forecast to make a white christmas.

      Mom, good look with semanary and your talk. Preperacion will always cause the spirit to guide your thoughts. thank you all for everything. I love you all so much and I look forward to seeing all of your faces in a few weeks. Have a great week, love you!!

Elder Wengert-W9

   

Hello everybody,

      Im apologizing in advance that this email is so much shorter, today is one of the the kind of dumb and random holidays that Argentina has. So everywhere was closed. We were finally able to find this old internet cafe opdn, but the computers here are pretty ancient. I sat here for 45 minutes trying to get this thing to work to write you all. So long walk part of gift this week haha. So, just like Jess, I totally thought thanksgiving was last week. Told a bunch of members and everone about it. so a little embarrassing haha. Mom, dont worry I wont open any packages until christmas. And I dont know if I will be with elder Evans for Christmas, This is the last week of this transfer, so we will know this Sunday what is going to happen. And Dad, U of A beat Oregon, dang that sounds good haha. Is arizona ranked? will we be going to a bowl game? Jordy poo gong to winter formal? No!! She is too young for that haha. But sounded like the guy did pretty good asking, and it sounded like Jordan loved it! Teddi, i hope you are doing better, and you are for sure in my prayers!! Tan Man is now playing some basketball, atta boy! You gonna go for that back to back championship? haha! Nae Nae, sounds like your doing good in basketball. You and Jordy are going to be tearin it up together. That sounds like so much fun haha!

       Well this week was pretty good for us. Patricia should be finishing up the papers for marriage this week which means baptism pretty soon. But I could get transfered out of here. I may just barely miss it. Then we talked to Tito earlier this week and he told us that he cant get batpised because he will get kicked out of the house by his JW sister. But this week we were praying like crazy for help!!! And yesterday we taught Tito again, and he said that now his sister said its his decision and he can get baptised if he wants. So we have a fecha with him now for the 21 of December. So he is really getting serious about quiting smoking.

      Well, once again sorry its so short. But I love you all and thank you for all of your love and support. I will have a better email next week when we can use our normal place. Have a great week and I look forward to hearing from you next week!

 

Elder Wengert-W9 

Fotos

Out in the campo where we do most of our work!!

This is my life, and it´s the best!!

Hello from the land of the heat!!,

      Ok, i personally think it´s not quite as hot as the sumers back at home. But there I could go inside into the wonderful air conditioning. And here, air conditioning doesnt exist unless you are rich haha. If we are lucky we find a house that has a little fan that we huddle around haha! But it gets pretty difficult to sleep at night when your sweating a fool and your clothes are sticking to your skin haha! Our white shirts have been getting pretty grose, but last week we had one of the hermanas in the branch offer to wash them for us. What a blessing that is, seriously haha. She is the sweatest old lady, and we are teaching her husband right now who isnt a member. Its so crazy to the think how last week on wednesday marked my one year mark of recieving my mission call. And looking back at all that happened. I truly am a different person than that boy who opened that white envelope. Its amazing how much the mission has changed me, and I still have 16 months of learning and growing to go. Bring it on baby!!! Kole is engaged!! I didnt even know he was dating somebody. But way to go man, that is awesome. I am super excited for you! I dont know if Uncle Brian gets my emails. But we visited my branch president this week and he started telling about when he was baptised and he showed me pictures of the missionary that baptised. The missionary that baptised him now lives in Kaysville. His name is Ralph Blood. Thought I would just ask and see if you happened to know him!

       Tan Man, you truly are the man!!!! Way to go buddy, im proud of you. And I love seeing you repping the #2 haha! Keep up the hard work! Grandma, to answer your question no, we dont have any cars here. We only have 4 areas in the mission that uses bikes (and I happen to have one of those right now haha), and all the rest is all walking. Grandpa, I always keep my eye out for some good gaucho items. I would love to bring home an argentine saddle. But that may be a little difficult. But I am going to try haha!

       Sounds like Thanksgiving is going to be great! Unfortunatly (im sorry, my english continues to get worse haha) they dont celebrate it here. But maybe some members will try something for us. The members feed us well here. We have lunch everyday of the week with somebody. But the thing is here in Argentina, there is no such as dinner. So everyday we eat lunch and then work all the day through until we go back to the pension. Im finally kind of getting used to it and not starving all day, only a little hungry haha!

        Well this week was pretty good. Tuesday we had interviews with Presidente Avila. I seriuosly love this guy so much! He is such a smart and spiritual man. So intuned with spirit and is able to help us so much with our areas. Before he was called as a mission president he was a member of the 70, so he just has the greatest advice and loves us missionaries so much!
        We were able to teach Patricia this week and found out some good news. She was able to talk to her husband and he now wants to get married as well. They are going to be finishing up the marriage papers inabout a week, get married, and Patricia is more than ready for baptism! Its so exciting to see! Then Tito is doing well. Keeps progressing and is at about 10 cigarettes a day. But we have him on date for the the 14th of December. We just need to really get serious with him dropping smoking and get him to come to church. We passed by yesterday morning before church but he was sleeping and didnt answer the door. But he told us that he would come to church with us next week! So we will remember that promise for sure through this week! It´s still a little difficult with Damian. Vanina is still pretty hesitant about marriage. But we found out this week that she is pregnant, so I think with this it has made her think of marriage a little bit more! But we continue working with them and see some growth little my little!

        Well, it´s about time to take the white shirts to get cleaned and to head on over to the capilla to play some futbal haha! I love you all so much and thank you for all of your love and support. Dont worry about me here. I am doing great, never been better! Travel safe for the holidays and eat a bunch of extra pie for me! Have a great week and cant wait to hear from you next week! Love you!

Elder Wengert-W9

¡Elder Evans and I!

¡Wow!

Hola,

     How is it already another week. So crazy haha! But this week has been a good one, and it sounds like it was good one for all of you as well. Jordy Poo, way to go with your talk you crazy girl haha! Im proud of you! And Jordy and Naes, way to go makin Varsety bsketball, that will be so much fun for you too. Tan Man, good luck in your championship game, kill it for me! Remember, get a pancake as center for me and I´ll take you out for a pancake breakfast! Well in just over 16 months haha! Dad, we are not using facebook and ipads here. Like 3 months President was talking to us missionaries about how technology like facebook and ipads are being used to strengthen missionary work. All of us were getting pretty excited thinking were going to start using them. And then president said, ´´But here we wont be using them´´. Maybe facebook someday, but the theft problem is too big to use ipads haha. I have even seen an apple product here in Argentina since iv been here! Sounded like a close and exciting game for U of A. Do we know if the Cats will be going to a bowl game yet? Hahahaha, is there a Costco here in Alvear? No way, but that would be awesome!! We would never need to go shopping.Just head over there for luch and eat the free samples!

     Well this week was pretty good for us. Tito Garcia is doing good. We went to his house yesterday after church and man it was an interesting experience. He was sitting there drinking his Mate (of course, its during the dang ciesta haha) with his sister and cousin. His sister is a Jehovah Witness and his cousin is a very very strong Catholic. We tried sharing a message with them but his cousin kept interupting us and not letting us teach. And somehow she was able to change our message from the Restauracion to abortion. And kept saying that she knows what she is talking about because she is a health professional haha. But what was way awesome was how Tito would step in at times and protect us. But after a bit the lesson wasnt going anywhere and the spirit was missing, so we ended up kind of just leaving, but we are going back to Tito´s tonight to teach him. Hopefully we will have a little better luck this time haha! But this week we presented him the plan to stop smoking. He is kind of doing it. He has cut down from 60 cigarettes down to 45. But he isnt really taking it real real serious. So we are going to work on him with that!

    Patricia is doing well. We ended up not being to teach her this week, but she came to church yesterday, is paying her tithing, having family night, everything but marriage because of her husband. But yesterday her 9 year old daughter Celeste got up and shared her testimony. She was baptised about 6 months earlier. But it was just the sweetest and very powerful testimony. Patricia was sitting in the back of the chapel crying and were able to see how much it truly touched her. We have a cita with her this week where we are really going to set some good goals with her about speaking to her husband and get him excited about marriage.

     So we have one investigator named Damian Gila. He lives with a less active member named Vanina. But Vanina had 2 marriages in the past that really hurt her, and so now she is afraid to get married to Damian. Well more than just afraid, but refuses to. We have been teaching Damian and Vanina for about 2 months now with no luck. Damian knows the church is true, and wants to get baptised, but he truly loves Vanina and so he doesnt want to leave her to get baptised. But this past week we passed by there house and only Damian was home. So we sat down with him and had a good powerful lesson with him. At the end Damian started crying and told us ´´Elders, I want to get baptised! But right now I cant because of Vanina. Please, help me!´´. It was just awesome to see him trust us enough to turn to us for help. So we have decided that we are now going to be focusing on them this next week. Damian asked us for help, and we are going to help him. The thing is, we have tryed so many things. So Im not really sure what we are going to do to help him. But somehow how we are going to!!

    Well everybody, thank you so much for all of your love and support! Oh Mom, one thing! Could you get me an address of Quinton Lamoreaux. Thank you so much! Grandpa Allen, Happy Veterans Day, I love you! I hope you all have a great week and I look forward to hearing from you next week. Love you all!

Elder Wengert-W9

¡What a week!

Hola everybody!
     Sounds like everybody is doing great! Jess, Im so glad to hear how great you doing and fast you are healing up. The Lord truly is a God of miracles, and your accident is just another example of that! Im sure its been tough being stuck in your pench all day, but you are a strong girl. Thats for sure!! Sounds like the funeral for Brother Nogales went super well! It will be tough for the family, but im glad to hear that they have so much love and support! And another accident in the ward?! Holy cow! But im so glad to hear that everybody will be ok and will recover! So I didnt even know that Amanda was pregnant at one point, let alone has the baby. But that is awesome and must be so much fun for Preston and her! Sounds like holoween was super fun! Ty and levi looked so cute as fix it felix and wreck it ralph haha. Unfortunatly, Argentina doesnt celebrate it here. So it was just a routine day for us. It was wierd, we didnt even realize that it was holoween until that night when we were back in the pench. I looked at the calander and it me, it is the 31st. That means it´s holoween haha. Grandma and Grandpa, I got your package this week. Thank you so much for the music and sweets. Its always so great to get some real candy form the states haha! Thats one thing that Argentina lacks! And basketball season starts up this week. That will be super fun for the girls! Elder Andrew Miller, I seriously couldnt stop laughing about your barn raising. Everone here was probably just thinking ´´who is the gringo haha´´. But Iv always wanted to participate in one of those, so I am a little jealous about that haha! And Dad, sounds like U of A should have a good basketball season. You can keep me a little updated on that haha! But I have my oen season here right now!

     Well, the first week of training went pretty well! I was way nervous for it, but it has been way crazy to see how much better my spanish is than I thought. And it has been a huge blessing, because now I I seriously have to trust in the Lord every second of the day since my spanish still isnt that great! But Elder Evans is doing good, slowly learning a little more spanish each day! The first transfer is always difficult though, especially when you are learning a language haha!

    We have a family in our brach, Familia Lucero. But they are so awesome, and basically just adopt the missionaries. But we had lunch with them on Tuesday, and after we ate Hermano Lucero was like ´´time for dessert´´. And knowing me, you can bet I was excited to hear those words. But instead he had us take out our scriptures and each share a little something. But this family is just so humble and such a great family. But Hermano Lucero was so right. The scriptures truly are like our dessert. It sweetens our lives so much, and we dont even have to wait until after dinner to use them haha!

     This past weekend we had stake conference. So we traveled to our stake center in San Rafael (2 hour bus ride). But it was so awesome. First of all its always so fun to see all of the other missionaries there. Then we got to hear from Presidente Avila and then also Elder Sala, a member of the 70, and then Elder Zeballo, for the presidency of the Area South America South. So it was so awesome and so much fun!

      Patricia is still doing great! We had a lesson with her this week about the importance of family home evening, and she has started holding it in her home with her daughter and with her husband as well. So we are hoping that this can touch the heart of her husband a little bit and they can get married.

      We also found another golden investigator this week. It was a reference from a family in the branch. But his name is Tito Garcia. He is like 67, and super funny, kind of a little femi as well haha! But we had two lessons with him last week. The only problem is that he smokes 3 packs of cigarettes every day. But it´s ok, he is determined to quit and we have another lesson with him him later today after P-day.

      Well, thank you all so much for everything. I can feel all of your love and prayers everyday as we were are biking through the blazing heat!! I cant wait to hear from you next week! Take care, please lets take a nice long breaks from accidents at home ok haha! I love you all so much!!

Elder Wengert-W9

Holy Cow!!

Hello everybody,

     Seriously, what is wrong with our families! We just need to stop all interaction woth cars ok haha! But Jess, I cant express how happy and relieved I am to hear that you are ok! The Lord truly watches over his servants! Oh my goodness, I am so sad to hear about the loss of the Nogalas family. That must be so difficult for all of them. Please send them my love! But I do love hearing about all of the mission calls. It´s so exciting! Tabitha to Ecuador!! And even crazier, Evan Boyack to the same mission as his brother, that is seriously so awesome!!!
    Because of transfers I was able to travel down to the offices. So dad I met Hermana Sanford. She is a great missionary and is going to add alot to the mission. I beleive she is serving in San Luis, one of the providences here. Also, Elder JAce Webster got here as well, so I got to see him as well. That was so great! While I was there I got a few letters. First, thank you so much Brother and Sister Houston for the letter, I loved it. Send Kyle my wishes that his shoulder will heal up well with no more complications! And then the other were letters from Jordy, Naes, and Tan Man!! Thank you for the pictures as well mom. Jordan and Janane, what happened to you two? You are now beatiful young woman and not the little girls I leaft haha. And Tan, you look older than some of the missionaries here haha!

     Well now with the transfer information. I recieved a scary phonecall about it form the Zone Leaders. They told me that I was staying here in Alvear. But they asked me who I thought my companion was, and I said that I had no idea. And then the scary news came. ´´Elder Wengert, we dont know either, because you are training´´!!!! Holy Cow, how crazy is that! So thats why I had to go to the Mendoza, to pick up my son haha! It´s Elder Evans from Ogden Utah. He is one of the 18 year olds and is a stud. He isnt brand new though. He served for two transfers in Detroit waiting for his visa! So I am a little nervous, but way excited for this transfer! Dad, to answer your question, no I am not fluent yet haha. But my spanish is not bad at all. I am able to understand pretty well and talk with everyone! But for sure not fluent yet haha!

    Haha so last week was our comps saying goodbye to people (oh yea, Elder Flores got transfered to San Juan), so I was working with my district leader Elder Smith a lot this week. But we were in the campo of his area and we went to visit one of his investigators. So we entered the front yard and this dog comes around the corner full speed and just takes out Elder Smith haha. But it was just wanting to play as was licking his face and everything, but it was hilarious to watch. But then we went and passed into their hous, and in the middle of the floor is the biggest rabbit I have ever seen, probably as big the dog from earlier haha. But seriously, I think it might have been the easter bunny or something because of how big it was!

     Well I am excited to get going with this work and work hard. Dont worry, I will be careful, and it also helps having the Lord with us every day! Mom, sounds like seminary is a little tough, but if anybody can do it, you can!! If you ever need any help with it just let me know and I will see what I can do! I love you all so much and look forward to hearing from you next week!

Elder Wengert-W9

1. Not really sure, found these in the church haha!

2. Elder Flores, Elder Smith, and I

3. The District

Miracles Happen? You better believe it!!

Is it really the end of another transfer?!!

Hello from Argentina,

      First of all, Happy Mothers Day Mom!!!! No, im not crazy and the heat here is not getting to me! Here in Argentina Mothers Day was yesterday haha! So you got to spend it in California with you family and most important mom, with Grandma Allen. But sounds like everything else is going great at home!! Jordan and Janae, why were you starving? There is so many things you could have made at home! That is one thing I have learned being out. At home I always thought we never had anything to eat when I was home alone. But in reality we had 10x as much food as I have in fridge right now and I could have cooked so many different things. But its ok, I was the same way haha! Sounded like the cattle drive was way fun. Man, what I would do for a big boul of chile right now. Argentines are kind of wimps and cant handle anything spicy haha. And I have been desiring to ride a horse lately since we have seen a lot of gouches (argentine cowboys) riding around in the campo. But there saddles dont look very comfy and are kind of pathetic haha. But Im still jealous of all of you who went on the cattle drive. Mom, sounds like it was a good time in California as well. Kimberly, it sure is a privelage to have the name of Christ over our hearts every day here in the mission field. Having the oppurtunity to share what we know to be true and sharing the miracle of the gospel of Jesucristo. Oh Jess, I recieved your letter this week. I am putting your letter in the mail tody. So be expecting a letter in the next few weeks. Thank you so much, but no making fun of my english. Its tough when you speak spanish 24/7 and trying to transition over to english again. i am always forgetting words in english its stuff. Its pretty sad haha!

      Well this week was really good, but also a little tough as well because Elder Flores had to go to Mendoza for Visa things. But I stayed here and worked with the Elders who work in the other side of Alvear. So we kind of switched around working in my area and in their area as well. But we got to work some more with Patricia this week. She continues working on the paper work for marriage, and in that process trying to get her husband to agree for marriage. But she is just an amazing woman. She continues attending church with her 3 daughters who 2 of them are baptized (the 3rd isnt old enough yet), and she is just patiently waiting for her husband to come along.

      We werent able to meet with Carlos and Maria Chavero this week because of how much they both work. But Mom, one of thier daughters who is 9 now was baptized when she was 8. And Maria even attended that baptism. She we just need to really continue working with them and get them excited about the blessing that come from living the gospel of Jesus Christ!

      So we had a wonderful baptism yesterday! Unfortanetly it wasnt ours but the wards. One of the 8 year old girls in the ward. They asked me to play the paino for the baptism. But it was so great! I dont think I have ever seen a little girl so excited to get baptism. She was just skipping around and singing in her little white dress. It is always a privelage to be part of any baptism. Of course its a little more special when its for one of your investigators, but every baptism is so great and such a powerful spirt present.

     So unlike England, it doesnt rain much, but when it does it comes down hard. Its literally crazy storms. And Im not really sure why, but it rained 4 of the 7 days this week. One of the times was when I was with the District Leader, Elder Smith, in my pench. We were just getting ready to leave when the storm hit. So we looked all around the pench and finally found an unmbrella. But it was the umbrella of Elder Flores who was in Mendoza at the offices. So we just took it because it was raining way hard. So we leaft the pench and walked like 20 sharing the umbrella when the wind snapped it in half and toar the plastic covering off haha. But its crazy because before the mission I would have been like , are you kidding me! I have to walk in this dumb rain. But now we were just like Ya fue (like oh well, or it went). We just kept walking and singing hymns haha. But by the time we reached his pench we were so wet haha! Literally like we jumped into a pool. it was the closest that I could to swimming here on the mission haha. But an interesting experience for sure haha!

     So yes, another transfer has ended, but this transfer we are getting over 30 new missionaries here in the mission, and only 10 went home and the end of this one. So President is having to open new areas and find a bunch of new apartments. So because of all of this, we arent finding out transfers and all of the information for next transfer until tomorrow, and changes arent being made until this Friday. Its a crazy but such an exciting time to be part of this work. Well, I love you all so much and am so grateful for all you do. Have a great week and I look forward to hearing from you next week!

Elder Wengert-W9

     

Another Week!!!!!

Hello everybody!!!

    Sorry I dont have too much time today. Argentina has so many holidays for the most random days. They are basically just an excuse not to work. But it took us forever to find a place to that was open and we could use to email. But the computers here are probably from the 80´s or something haha. Super slow! But its all good. Sounded like a great week for everybody!! And the kids got the wonderful job of cleaning the ditch haha! Lucky them! But I honestly miss that. Seriously. But sorry dad, there is no way I´m touching the ditch/asakias here to clean them. They are beyond disgusting haha! So Dallin got to go and play basketball at Red Rock, those we were good days. But still not as good as here haha! But I havent gotten to play basketball since Iv been here in Argentina, so I will be pretty rusty when I get home. But if you want to play soccer, call me Messi and bring it on haha! So Dallin and Amy got to share a little bit of the gospel with Slimy Steve huh? That is awesome. Now you just need to send the missionaries to his house! Or maybe the missionaries there in Phoenix can fake an injury or something so that they have a reason to go to the hospital to see him!! Oh Mom, an Elder from my District came back from the offices this week from doing visa stuff, but he brought me my ´´Miracles Happen´´ tshirt. Thank you so much. I love it! I will send a picture next week when I can use a computer who has that ability haha! Dad, so another missionary from Tucson is joining me. That will be nice!! I will keep an eye out for her!

      Oh my goodness, the miracles just keep poaring in for Dallin and Amy. And for all of us! I love seeing how the Lord is watching out for us. And for little clay as well haha!!
     Man, Riley Heflin. What a guy. He is seriously so great. Truly an example for all of us! And I remember him having the AC seperation right after mine. My havent given me too much problems. Somethimes a little soar in the morning. But nothing much!

      So this week has been super frustrating, but so rewarding as well!! First we found a new investigator that looks so promising. She is married and has 4 kids. Her husband is less active. But we set goals with both of them, Maria and Carlos Chavero. A baptismal date with Maria and a goal with Carlos to get reactivated so that he can baptise his wife. They couldnt go to church yesterday becaue they had to go to Mendoza. But they are so awesome! Then we have been having a lot of success with other less actives as well. We had 5 less actives come to church yesterday, and it was awesome. But of course there are so many more here in Alvear that need some work haha!

       But like I said, this week was so frustrating as well. We had a lesson with Patricia this week. And her husband refused to come out of his room and see us. Then Patricia told us that her husband is refusing to get married. And to make matters worse, she didnt come to church yesterday, the first time in like the last 2 months. We dont know the reason because we havent been able to see her since. But its alright. We just need to keep woring hard with her, praying more, and keep the faith!

       And then things are a little difficult with Antonia as well. We talked with the President of the branch here and he doesnt want her to get baptised until she attends all of church and gets to know more members. But she hasnt been to church in the last 3 weeks. We pass by before church and she keeps having some reason of why she cant come. So we keep having to change her fecha. But it´s alright, again. Its kind of the same as Patricia. With the Lord we can do anything!

       Well I´m off to play some futbal with the District and to make some Horchata with Elder Flores (one of the blessings of having a comp. from Mexico haha). Have a great week and I look forward to haring from all of you next week. I love you all!!

Elder Wengert-W9

The Service Project!

1. Here is the mission logo finally Mom haha.

2. Maximus and I haha!

What a week!

    Wow what a week, seriously!! Conference was seriously so great! There was us three gringo Elders in another room watching it in English on a little TV. But the connection was pretty bad, so it was a little fuzzy, but all good. We got to watch all of the sessions, even though the priesthood session didnt start until 9 here. But President Avila gave all of us Elders permission to stay out a little bit longer. I loved the talk by Elder Funk of the 70 because he shared the story of the missionary from Napol. If you remember back when I was serving in New Hampshire, about 80% of our investigators were from Napol and we baptised Prakash Rasaily from Napol as well. It is difficult for all of the members from Napol because they dont even have the Book of Mormon translated in their native language. Some of them know a little bit of Hindue and can read a little bit from the scriptures in that language. But I llearned to love that people so much. They are the most humble and loving people I have ever met! I also loved the talk of President Uchtdorf about the less actives and how he said if a hypocrite is someone who doesnt perfectly follow what we believe, we are all hyprocrites. Then lastly the talk by President Monson about his wife. He is such a loving man and truly a prophet of God. I loved when he said about his wife ´´she was truly an angel of god´´. My goal for now is to have that same love for the people here in Argentina.

       Well this past week on Friday we did a lot service. We went from one service project to another, adn them to another haha! One was for a less active family in the branch, Familia Bravo. But we cleaned this huge pile of trash, rubbish, and basura haha. But it was pretty grose. This pile has been building up for at least the past 15 years. And part of it was even a car! So us four missionaries (Elder Flores from Mexico, Elder Smith from Mesa, Elder Vientemilla from Spain, and I) had to flip this car around and role it about 50 yards to the back of the yard. The car was pretty rusted and old so a lot of the wieght had long fallen off, put dont get me wrong. This thing was pretty hard still. I felt I was back in football season flipping the tires haha. But it was fun as well. And then they had this huge pile of wine bottles that they said they were planning on recylcing, but that will probably be building up for the next 10 years as well haha! But I seriously love doing service. A chance to get out of the proselyting clothes and get a little dirty haha!

      Well a family emergency happened this week keeping Patricia from finishing the paperwork and getting married this week. And the papers are taking usual as planned, so it may be a couple of weeks until she ends of getting married. But Patricia did attend General Conference yesterday with her 3 daughters. She absolutely loved it and it was huge for her. She is literally a golden investigator. She is more than prepared for baptism, we just need to get her married.

      I hope you all have an amazing week. Continue studying the teachings from conference, and more importantly live them each and every day. I love you all so very much and are so grateful for you all. I look forward to your emails next week. love you!!

Elder Derek Wengert-W9

Just another day in Paradise 2!

Im sorry. The internet shut off here in the internet cafe. So it only sent that little bit. But we walked to a different one in the next area over. But what I was saying was that Elder Flores and I went and visited them and invited them to do a decorrido or a church tour. So we gave them a tour and they have came to church the last 3 weeks. 

   So for the big news, our area now has bikes. It is so nice!! It just makes everything and the work so much easier and more productove. And of course since Jess named her bike I had to name mine as well. So meet Maximus haha! But also for the bad news. A few things happened this week that caused us to have to change the baptismal date of Antonia to the 12 of October.  A little dissapointing, but its ok. We just need to work a little more with her! But we also have a very good investigator named Patricia. Two of her daughters who are 9 and 15 have been baptized, but she hasnt been able to because she isnt married. She wants baptism really bad and she wants to get married, but her husband wouldnt do it. But finally this pass week after we shared the family proclamation, he decided to get married. So they are getting married this week and Patricia is getting baptized on the 12 of October as well. So that was pretty excited! 

      Well my time is a little limited today and especially since the happening with the internet. But I hope you all have a great week. Oh and mom I sent my secret sib present this week. So it should be there in 2 months or so! I love you all so much!

Elder Wengert-W9

PS-Kenny thank you so much for your email and the pictures. The house looks awesome and the boys are looking great. Oh and how did you do in your old man race? haha!

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Just another day in Paradise!

Hello everybody!

     Ah, sounds like the baptism of Dan was so good. And thank you so much for picture, I loved it! Tan Man, sounded like you did awesome rockin that organ. Dang Dad, sounds like the clinic is busy over there. That is great to hear! Momma, entravista means interview and rama means branch (since we only have a branch here in Alvear). Dad, Alvear here is mostly city with just a little bit of campo. So honestly that makes it pretty difficult for us. Most of our investigators here live out in the campo where it is a little more poor. And we do a lot, alot, and a lot of work with less-actives here. But we have had some success with them. One older couple was inactive for 10 years. Elder Flores and I visited them

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¡Alvear 2A!

 Goodmorning mi Amor (thats what everybody calls eachother here, a little funny haha),

      Well, I hit my six month mark this week! Crazy how it has flown. But looking back I can see how much I have grown from so many different experiences both here in Argentina and at home! Man, sounds like a crazy week at home. Im so sxcited to hear about Dans baptism this Saturday! And Dallin is baptizing him, that will quite the experience. Sounds like Dan is doing so well, and is totally embracing the gospel with everything that he has! And the bbq will be nice afterwords. Maybe you can throw them an asado instead, with some carne, pollo, y churizo haha! Dad, no worries, you still have me on your side. You arent cheating, just playing it smart. But its funny, I think we got all of our competitive side from you. I remember growing up playing games for fhe like, and we would all give up and stop playing. But you alone would do do each of our turns until you won haha! Wow, MHS won again, why couldnt we have had this coaching change a while back haha! Man I am excited for Conference coming up. I think I will be able to get a tv set up in another room with some other gringo elders so we can watch it in english! Wow jess, you have a memory foam pad for your bed? That is rediculous! I didnt even have a pillow for the first 3 months here in Argentina haha!

     Well Tuesday we took the colective (bus) to San Rafael and had a meeting there with Elder Nuñez of the Seventy from Chile. This guy is incredible! He told us a story from his mission when he only had 2 months left and his mission president asked him if he was ready to leave for home yet. He told him, no! I was called for 24 months, and I will serve for 24 months! His president asked him, what do you want to do for the remainder of your mission, and Elder Nuñez said, I want to have 30 more baptisms. He didnt know how how to do this, so he was studying in the scriptures about Alma, and the desire that he had to bring every person into the fold of Christ. So he prayed and begged the Lord for this same desire. That next morning, as they left the pench, he felt that desire to talk to every person they saw. And thats what they did. Talked to every single person. He ended up not reching his goal, but he had 21 baptisms during that 2 months. it was just an incedible talk he gave.

    We went back to teach Perla this week. Im not sure what happened but she did not accept us at all. She told us to go away and not to come back. Then slammed the door. Man, it was tough to walk away from that house. We have the knowledge the she wants about her son, she doesnt know that she wants it. So we have continued to try to stop by, but havent had any luck contacting her.

    Antonia is doing great. She is 76 years old, doesnt have very much teeth, and is usually super dirty because she lives in this little tiny hous, well more like a hut. But she showed up to church yesterday all dressed up, make up, and her hair was even done. It was awesome! So we have her intravista this wednesday y the baptism is this Saturday! So we get to have a baptism together!

     So kind of a funny story. It was like 8 saturday night and we decided to stop by and see a less active family that we have been working with, they are doing super good and have come the last 2 Sundays after not going to church at all for 10 years. We do a lot of work here with less actives, a lot! But back to the story haha. We got invited in so we walk in and see 2 other guys at the table as well. They are an older couple, so we just thought it was two of their sons that we havent met or something like that. So we go and sit down with them at the table and we realize, oh man they are actually Jehovah Witnesses haha. So they gave a a quick a little message and we asked to give them a message. So we shared the Restoration and the Book of Mormon with them. Even left Book of Mormons with them and commited them to read the first chapter of 1 nephi and to pray about it. But as we were getting to leave, one of them starts chewing me out because Im gringo and I celebrate holoween haha. So we talked to him about for a few minutes and he started telling me that im of the devil and that good stuff haha. So finally we just told him, look we need to go. But Elder Flores and I were cracking up about it since he is from Mexico and holoween is a huge holiday there haha. A little crazy but funny experience as well!

     Well, I hope everybody has an amazing week! Mom, good luck with seminary, Tan Man, with all the help you are doing with moms seminary lessons you are probably already ready to serve a mission. Buy a ticket and head on over to Argentina and we can be companions haha! Good luck in volleyball and swimming Jordy and Naes. I will talk to all of you next week. I love you all!

Elder Wengert-W9

PS-Sorry about no píctures this week, a family in the rama are borrowing my camera to take pictures of their daughters wedding today. And Mom, I will have a Mission logo for you next week. I have that on my camera as well!

   

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Photos 2

Elder Flores and I got into a little bit of trouble with the police here!! Just kidding, just some service there last saturday haha!

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Hello from Alvear!

Hello,

     Wow, this week has been crazy! Sounds like a great busy week at home though. Dad, I sure hope you have been able to catch up on your lack of sleep. But hey, if you add up all of your naps thoughout the day that should add up to about 8 hours or so right haha just kidding! Sounds like the kids are tearing it up in sports, way to represent!! And we may have a little Clay huh? I like it! Looks like Festus has been replaced by Dolly and Retha, poor guy! Grandpa, I absolutley love that definition of faith that you sent me. Thank you! Ooh, Dad, those nachos at the u of a game sounded good haha. Just add some churizo on top and that would make it complete it haha!

     So it was super hard saying the goodbyes in Rodeo del medio. Especially when Hermana  Gutierrez starting crying when i left their house for the first time. And then with the Familia Vasquez as well. A lot harder than I was expecting!

    Well Elder Flores is a great guy and missionary. His is 25 and is from Hidalgo Mexico. Its crazy how much better my spanish already is since I forced to speak it just about 24/7 with him. Elder Flores and I are just about complete oppisites, but work well with eachother. He reminds me a lot of the quilting Elder that served at home haha. He enjoys knitting and all of that good stuff. But he is the most loving guy and is always serving me. Already twice this week I got out of the shower and there sitting next to my bed are my shoes shined and spotless. But I am excited to work with him.

     Alvear is so different than Rodeo del medio. Rodeo was so much campo and poor people. But here its more city and most the people here are a little better off! We have a branch here in Alvear, but it is a pretty good sized branch. We have many good members, but most of them are older Elderly couples. But they are so great and are willing to come out with us. There is one family that kind of takes in the missionaries here, the Familia Lucero. They have 3 daughters and remind me so much of my very own sisters. The oldest is like Tara. Kind of acts all mature and kind of like another mother haha. Then there is Yessica, and yes she is exactly like Jess and Jordan. Super loud, but fun. Then they have little sweet Malina. She doesnt talk a whole lot. but when she does its exactly like Nae Nae. Her little sweet voice and you can barely hear her haha!

    So we a few good investigators here in Alvear. One is Antonia. She is 76 years old and is hilarious. Always cracking jokes haha! But they found her right before I got here, and as soon as they taught her the first lesson she dropped all smoking, drinking, everything. And hasnt touched it since. But she came to church yesterday and loved it, and we set a fecha with her for the 28th of this month, and she is super excited for you it!

    We talked to a lady on Saturday named Perla. She is an older lady and was doing yard work in front of her house. We went and asked if we could help her and she politely declined and we just continued talking. and then we asked if she believed in Christ and this was when she got pretty angry and was saying that she kinds of believe in him, but not a lot. I could tell that she believes in him, but is angry at him right now. We later found out that she has a son who was killed by a drunk driver like 15 years ago. We told her that she can live with him again and she was like no, you have never experienced this. And she was right, i havent. But i had to use what i had. So I pulled out a picture of Tyrell and handed it to her. told her what happened, and bore testimony to her that I can live with him with him again and promised her that she could live with her son again. This softened her heart a little bit and invited us. She asked to only say a prayer for her, that she can recieve that same knowledge for herself. So we did and the tender mercy of the Lord came when she asked if we could came back. So we will be going back to see her this week again. I am super excited for that lesson haha!

     Well, I am excited for tomorrow. We have a chance to meet with one of the 70 for a meeting tomorrow in San Rafael. So we have to take the bus like 2 hours, but will be so worth it! I love you all so much and thank you for everything. Have a great week and I look forward to hearing from you next week!

Elder Wengert-W9

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The Baptism!!

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This is the life!!

Goodmorning everybody,

     Sounds like a typical amazing, crazy, busy week back home in the states! Thank you so much for the video Mom, even if you forgot me for the first 2 minutes. But thats ok, i forgive you haha! Amy, that dinner was looking good, you will have to make me some when I get home ok haha! And dally boy, you must be un hombre de acero, or superman to be looking this good this soon after the accident haha! But seriously, you are the man! Mom, you have to love mate here ok haha! But dont worry, I will make you a bunch when I get home and get you hooked on it as well!! Man, sounds like Dan is on fire and is just totally embracing the gospel. So amazing to see that happen, even from 6000 miles away! Tara jo, thank you so much for the pictures. My boys are studs! Fishing and everything, thats what im talking about haha! Oh and mom, you are more than welcome to share any stories, pictures, etc. with your seminary class. Anyway I can help, let me know! Dad, thank you for the football updates, both college and high school! Sounds like everyone of our teams is tearing it up! Everybody here is getting excited for the world cup coming up next year! Argentina plays Paraguay this Tuesday, so everything is probably going to just shutdown during it haha! Nae Nae, dang girl, way to go with your swimming! Keep working hard in practice and it will pay off! Jordy, wau to go with your killer serve that iv heard all about, and Tan Man, kill in football for me ok buddy! Oh, and Jordy poo, how was your date with Dally boy (the other one). I love that kid, tell him hi for me ok!! Wow, so many exciting things going on at home. Elaine is getting married too? So awesome, Im so happy for her! When is the wedding? Ah, Dad I am so excited to recieve that book. Iv been just recording quotes and stuff in my study journal, but its kind of just scattered throughout different notes. So I will be excited to be able organize my favorite ones in the book some time.

     Well this was a good week. Saturday we had the baptism of Shirley and Carla Vasquez, and it was so great! The whole rest of the family came to watch, even the father, and Said baptized them. We were stuck there all day filling that faunt again, but so worth it after the baptism. Everybody was so excited, especially Said! He was the one to first accept the missionaries and now two of his sisters have joined in with him. Soon to be his whole family in the future!! And of course after we had a nice big asado with some of the members and bishop. So good!

       So Familia Leiva is doing great! Natalia is on fire. She is doing better with smoking, only 5 a day now. And she is reading the Book of Mormon like crazy, she is just about to finish 1 Nephi. Omar pulled us aside when we were leaving after one cita, and he asked us how he can recieve an answer like his wife Natalia. So our next appoitment we taught about prayer and how to recognize answers from the Lord! Unfortunately they werent able to come to church yesterday because of car problems, but they are doing great. Seriously a family a gold!

      So kind of a funny, scary, and sad experience yesterday. We were walking to a cita through 25 de mayo, the more rough part of the area. But this lady called us over to her, and so was so drunk. She started yelling at us about how we are of the devil because we were dressed in ties and white shirts. She was tugging on our ties like Jessie would do to me and told us to throw them into the garbage. She tried telling us how Maria, the mother of Jesus, partook of the fruit in the Garden of Eden, and then after she grabbed my plack and tried to throw it into the asakia. or their ditches/sewage system here. Luckily I was able to grab it back from her before she did. But it was just so sad, because her son had passed away recently, and that is why she was drinking and mad at God. Finally we had to just walk away because she was getting out of hand and makind a scene.

      Well, now for the real news. We finished the transfer last week, and I recieved that call from the ZL´s, yep Im getting transfered. I am leaving Wednesday for Alvear, all the way down South of Mendoza. Like a 5 hour bus ride haha! And I will be serving with Elder Flores from Mexico. Im not going to lie, I really didnt want to leave Rodeo yet, I had so many great famalies that I didnt want to leave. I wanted to work more with and see baptized the Familia Leiva and the rest of the Familia Vasquez. But at the same time I am super excited! This will be my firs latin comp which should really help my spanish.

     Well, thank you so much for everything. I hope you have a great week, and I will talk to you next week from Avear. I love you all!

Elder Wengert-W9

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¡Jesucristo!

It´s pretty funny, there is graffiti like this all over the place!

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¡Life is Good!

Hello,

      Where to start haha! First of all we had a a meeting with the Zone Leaders this week who had just gotten back from the offices, so you know what that means. Mail time!!! Grandma I recieved your packages, and thank you so much! Love listenng to conference whenever I get the chance! And that night we cooked the cookies and had a delicious snack of mate and the cookies. Yes, I officially love mate. It is so good! I have a cup of it just about every morning for breakfast haha! But Jess, oh I mean Sister Wengert, I got your package as well! Thank you so much for everything! I am rocking the skinny as we speak haha! But seriously, thank you!! And then Trish and Gordon, I recieved your letters as well! Thank you so much, sounds like your family is doing so good. And Bishop Merayo, how am I not suprised! You are going to do awesome che haha! And Dan is getting baptized! Man, thank is seriously so awesome! The Lord prepares so many people for this gospel, and it is so much fun to watch those people change as they acccept it! Dang Dad and Dallin going to the D-backs game. Those are seriously so much fun. And the tickets for only $5. Where were the seats at? Tara, the boys are looking so good and as cute as ever! How can you get mad at those faces when you catch them coloring on the carpet? And Ty, atta boy! Power Rangers is where its at buddy! And then last but not least, Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! 31 short years together. Thank you so much for everything you both do and for your examples to me. I love you!!

       So this week we went back and taught Natalia the Plan of Salvation. But the miracle happened when her husband Omar, who never would even talk to us and told us to leave the first time he saw us, came and sat down and listened with her. The lesson when so great and I know they both felt the spirit. Omar asked us when we could come back, so we set a return appoitment for the next thursday. But during the lesson Omar had smoked 4 cigarettes, and started his 5th as we were leaving. So we asked him if he would like to quit smoking, and his was like ´´oh I would love to´´. So we sat down with them again and taught the word of wisdom. We created a calender for them of how they are going to slowly smoke less and less each day and we left them with that. We came back Thursday and Omar had cut down from 30 a day down to 10, and Natalia went from 15 down to 7. So they are doing so well and love everything we are sharing with them. Then Friday we just tried stopping by and and Natalia answers the door so excited and invites us in. We sit down and she tells us ´´I read more from the Book of Mormon and prayed like you told me to do, and I felt the burning, I felt it Elders!!´´. She had recieved her answer. Then yesterday Natalia, Omar, and one of their sons Alam all showed for church. They loved it and want to come again next week! It has been amazing to see their change and their progression over just the past week! Truly incredible!

      Along with The Leiva family (Natalia and family) we had the familia Vasquez and another investigator, Matias, attend church. So we had 8 investigators at church. It was so amazing. Elder Fox and I were so excited and the ward was on fire. Everything in this area is booming! And now forthe news! The father of Familia Vasquez is home! But along with this is some sad news! At first he not only gave his permission, but wanted to get baptized as well. We had plans to baptise all 5 of them this Saturday. But yesterday we found out that Hermana Vasquez and her husband are not married. Nooo, dagger through my heart! This is such a huge problem here. So now the parents cant get baptized yet and the oldest daughter Lizbet wants to wait and get baptized with her mother. But the two other daughters Shayle and Carla were like ´´we have been waiting months for this, we are getting bapptized this saturday.´´ So even though its not all 5, we are stilling haveing a baptism for two this saturday. And Hermana Vasquez is going to talk to her husband/boyfriend/partner, whatever he is acually consideerd about marriage. So give them some time. They will get baptized eventually!

       Well the work is going great here in Rodeo del Medio in this season of mine! I have never been happier than here preaching the gospel. There really is no joy like bringing someone the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you so much for everything. I love you all so much!

Elder Derek Wengert-W9

      

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I don´t really know haha!

Um yea, Im not really sure about these! We found this pillar in the middle of nowhere and had to play around with it right?!

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The Ruins!

We found these way cool ruins of an old building while tracting one day haha!

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Miracles happen! Both at home and in Argtentina!

Hello Everybody!!!!

     Wow, life at home sounds crazy! Everything from the car problems, to the stake water activity (which sounded like a lot of fun), to Dallins basketball lessons haha! But I do have one question. Dad, you said you will be going to Bluewater for Trish and Gordons big day, but what is this big day? I haven´t heard anything about it! Amy, I am so sorry to hear about your Grandmother. I never got to meet her, but she sounded like an amazing woman! Mom, Im glad you are really starting to enjoy seminary now! Who all do you have in your class, amybody that I know? Dad, come on, seminary isnt that bad! I got to teach it a few times before leaving and I really enjoyed it!

       Well, we had an incredible week, and we found a few people who are amazing. First we were walking in the middle of nowhere and we see this guy sitting on this little hill. But he starts yelling ¡Hermanos, venir! or come here! (Usually when this happens they are super drunk) luckilly this time he wasnt. His name was Jose Barverdi, and he just tells, Hermanos, I need your help. I know you have God on your side, and that is what I need. Then through his tearsf he told us how he just lost his job and how about a month back his son had an accident at work and cant walk. So there we taught the plan of salvation and about the priesthood. So tomorrow he is having us come over to give his son a priesthood blessing. So that will be interesting. But he is an awesome guy! And then yesterday we had a sita with an investigator, pero it fell through. Of course we were pretty sad and frustrated because it was the 2nd that day that fell through. But we decided to just try contacting some houses farther down that road. So we are walking y I recieved a prompting to stop at a house. So we clap y a lady answers. We start talking to her through another barred door and I pull out a picture of Christ  and start to give it to her but I stop. I pull it back and instead I grab a pass along card with the question ´´Can we live with our families after this life?´´. She read it and she just looks up at us and starts crying. She opens the barred door and comes outside with us. She tells us, ´´I have had that question so many times lately. My mother just passed away 15 days ago. Can you answer that question?´´. So we also taught her the plan of salvation and she got so excited when we promised that she can live with her mom again. So we have a return sita with her for this week. The problem its about an hour walk from the pench, but its so worth it!

      We got to go back and have another lesson with Natalia this past week! But we ended up reading with her from the Book of Mormon and it went great! We committed her to keep reading and then to pray. And then we set  baptismal date for her. It will be a lot of work because she has a smoking problem, but with the Lord on our side, we can get over that road block!

     Well, sounds like everybody is doing amazing at home. Thank you all so much for your Love and your support. Have a great week and I look forward to hearing from you next week! I love you all!!

Elder Wengert-W9

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The beautiful Argentine views haha!

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Officially wingin it for Dally!!

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