Buenas Dias all!
This week has been a little interesting,
as I'm now leading the area of Caballito. It's been an adventure,
taking all sorts of colectivos, or buses, that I don't really know.
We've only gotten badly off track about five times, so its all good;P
It's been a humbling experience, as everything seems to be in the
mission, and my companion and I are working on getting to know this area
together.
At the despidida. My companion, Hermana Olmeda, who went home to El Salvador and my
district leader, Elder Johnson
Let's go through the run through shall we?
10
of Feb: My first Pday with Hermana Weitl. Hermana Olmedo and I headed
over to the offices early to find my new companion and to drop her off
with the rest of the sisters that are going home, taking off the plaque,
and stepping into the next phase of their lives. You would think with
all of the companions I've had that are finishing the mission that
saying goodbye wouldn't be too hard. You would be mistaken. It was hard
to say goodbye to Hermana Olmedo. Along the way I came to realize that
she was much more than simply my mission companion. She was a sister to
me, a best friend and someone I could always turn to. I'm not a crier,
but I think that's what everyone says before the mission.
At the baptism last week!
last meal
After pulling
myself away from her I headed back to Caballito with my new companion,
Hermana Weitl, a sister with 11 months in the mission from Washington
and California. As silly as this might sound to all of my
English-speaking friends and family, I was afraid to speak English with
her. After being with two latin companions I was pretty well programmed
to only speak in Spanish. Upon arriving to the pension we took her stuff
to the room before going in search of food. My comp thought she had
spotted a Burger King, so, as two Americans might do in Argentina, we
went in search of food. However, we didn't end up finding it... After
eating in Gustavos, an Argentina joint, we went off in search of
computers to write the family and friends. That was also an adventure,
as the kiosk we usually went to was full. Eventually we were able to
find computers and write! Once 6 rolled around and Pday officially ended
we headed down to visit Macarena and Guillermina. Everything went well
until Guillermina started crying. She had really connected with Hermana
Olmedo, and was taking the separation badly. As she cried I did all I
could to comfort her, ensuring her that everything would be ok and that
Hermana Olmedo would be in touch. I didn't mention that I felt like
joining her in her sadness. I was very happy to be working with Hermana
Weitl, even if being apart from Hermana Olmedo was quite painful. I had
seen the Hermana Weitl before and she had been extremely kind and loving
around me in a time when I had needed all the support and love I could
get.
11 of Feb: Lunch with the Casteneda
family:) After eating and talking with the family, who are always very
supportive of mission work, we went off in search of Ariana, singing
church hymns in Spanish as we went. We found the house just fine, but
didn't end up finding the young 11 year old convert/less active. We then
proceeded to walk forever. I wish I could say that was an
exaggeration... but Hermana Weitl can testify that we walked more than
anyone should. That's what happens when your companion leaves and you
aren't familiar with the the 30 different buses... However, we managed
to find our way down to visit Macarena and Guillermina at 6 before
heading to our appointment with Hermana Machado and her husband. He's
not a member, but had come to church with his wife the Sunday before. We
had set up an appointment and were looking forward to getting to know
Manuel and see if he had interest in joining the church. When we showed
up the Hermana greeted us warmly, but informed us that her husband,
Manuel, was helping a neighbor and wouldn't be able to make it. We were a
little disappointed, but took the time to get to know her and her
story. As we talked she shared with us a very beautiful dream she had
had. She had found herself in a wonderful house. However, upon looking
out the window she realized that her husband could not enter, but only
look at her through the window. In other words, illustrating that her
husband wouldn't be able to be with her forever if he didn't take the
step to join the church and get sealed to her in the temple for time and
all eternity. As she shared this dream I felt the spirit strongly, and
had to fight to hold back tears. We testified that she could be with her
husband forever, and that she didn`t need to settle for a window view.
12
of Feb: We headed over to the Zone meeting in the morning before taking
the bus to have lunch with Hermana Amador, the wife of our new Ward
Mission Leader. We were able to sing a hymn for her and invite the
spirit before heading out to work. We had planned on visiting with
Gisela, but received a message letting us know that she wouldn't be able
to see us. After that just about all of our other plans bailed on us.
However, we continued on and headed back to the Amadors at 7 for our
weekly meeting with our Mission leader. I was very impressed at the enthusiasm he has for the work and was able to feel the spirit during
the meeting.
13th of Feb: Usually when walking
down the street in Argentina as an American in a skirt with an American
companion, people calling out to us are usually bad news. Especially
when their faces are half covered by hospital masks. However...
sometimes they just happen to be members from a different ward who just
got out of the hospital. I have a hard time telling. As my companion and
I were on our way to lunch, a process that had already gotten a little
sidetracked as we had to run and pay the rent, we were called out to by
two people in masks. I don't know how all of you would react, but my
companion and I started to walk faster. That is, until the man said he
was a member of the church. I'm going to be honest, I didn't really
believe him. But my companion seemed to, as we walked over and started
talking to them.
It turns out that he was a member, although his wife
wasn't. They had just left the hospital. Apparently he was going through Tuberculosis and just wanted to hear a scripture and a couple words of
encouragement. Feeling terrible for almost brushing him off, we sat down
and talked to him about the atonement of Christ and how He has felt and
experienced all of our griefs, sorrows, pains, and sicknesses. As we
taught the two of them started to cry. It was a humbling experience, and
taught me once more that I can't look on the outside and expect to know
what is going on inside, the value within. Upon arriving at lunch we
did English homework. I didn't understand why we do certain things in
English until I came to Argentina and found myself teaching people in
Spanish how to speak and write in English... What a strange world I live
in right now.
My new companion, Hermana Weitl and I
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14 of Feb: We went running in
the morning! I was so happy:D After studying we made lunch, french
toast;) As we went out to work all of our planned appointments fell
through once again, but we had enough backup plans to get through
alright. We passed by to visit Bernarda, an elderly lady who we had
stopped to visit with the day before. Her son was present as well, and
we ended up teaching the two of them about the Restoration. We were able
to bring the spirit, testify, and teach. I love teaching, and was
thankful for the opportunity and privilege. After such we grabbed a
couple colectivos to go to church, where the Ward council was being
held. We were able to share with the leaders some of our ideas and learn
more about what the Ward is planning and where it wants to go. All of
the leaders are relatively new, and the ward is the process of getting
back on its feet.
I am in the heart of Argentina!
15 of Feb: As if I didn't
love colectivos before... Lets just say that we got lost Badly.... But,
made it to lunch, ate it ridiculously quickly, and got to church via
taxi barely in time for the sacrament. How I loathe these buses! After
church we had the chance to talk with the bishop. He truly is a great
man and we have a very good relationship with him. He seems extremely
willing to work with us and I'm looking forward to making progress with
this ward:)
I love you all! If you've gotten this far in this long letter, good job! I'm proud of you;)
Best news of the week: Two of my sisters here in Argentina got their mission calls :)!
Also heard that Anita and Domingo from my last area are getting married!
And
I have to share one of the goals I'm currently working on in the
mission! I have set a goal to read the Book of Mormon 6 times in Spanish
during my mission. I'm currently in Mosiah and started the first of
this month. I absolutely love the Book of Mormon, and am growing to love
it as much in Spanish as I already do in English! I challenge each and
every one of you to set goals to read the Book of Mormon. If you haven't
ever read it, Read it! If you've read it countless times, read it
again. It will change your life.
Lots of love!
La Hermana Dickson
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