Julios Baptisms and hello Mercedes

Wow...I can't believe you have already received flight plans home.  I have 3 transfers left.. so weird! But I do feel like I've lived in Argentina forever haha. 

JULIO GOT BAPTIZED!! It was awesome. Everything went off without a hitch! Hna Todd and I sang a song  at the baptismal service, and Julio was smiling the whole day. Then on Sunday when he was confirmed he told us that he was thinking about the first day when we contacted him, and even though he was working he let us in.. and that we brought such a peace into his house! Hes super awesome, and I'm excited for him to progress and receive the priesthood.  

Then President called and gave us the news that Hna Todd is going to be training in Bella  Vista - which meant I was for sure leaving - and he said I'm going to Mercedes.  It is known as a hard area and the birthplace of gauchito gil.   The church is a tiny dentist building we rent out and there are only about 20 people who come to church.  It will be tough - but I'm sure things can be great, it just depends on my attitude. 

Saying Good-bye! 

It was hard leaving Bella Vista yesterday because I felt like like that place was my home. I was so close with all the members.. and everyone there really. Even the people we would pass by on the street everyday or the people who worked at the groceries stores said they were sad I was leaving.   I will miss this place. 

We had our multizona this week, and Hna  Balderree brought me my fav candies, a coke,
hairspray, and a little note. Shes so sweet! 

Love you so so much!!!! 

Julio's baptism, Locro, and the Universe

[As you can read...sister Hall is busy in Bella Vista and the work is progressing!!]

The inactive family we´re teaching has had relatives visiting from Buenos Aires, so we couldn't teach them this week.  But Evelyn, the 24 year old, has a son named Alejo who turned 4 years old. So we brought him a little present and chatted with her. She wants to come to church, but couldn't because of the visitors and all that. But this Wednesday we´re having a noche de hogar (family night) , so i hope they commit to come this week. 

Julio is getting baptized this Saturday!  I don't know if I've described Julio very much. But he's super awesome. One day he was busy doing yard work, but still attended us. He´s just a super happy dude.. always smiling.. sometimes its hard to take him seriously because he's just so smiley haha. But he has come to church 3 times now, and came to an activity this week. We had a ward activity and he really bonded with our branch president.     

So may 25th is a really big holiday here.. basically like their Independence day. It celebrates the day that Argentina became independent from Spain. So the ward did a big locro in the church. Locro is when you get a huge pot and you cook this soup like thing - basically they put like every part of the cow in it, and oil and corn, and it cooks for like 6 hours. I don't ask what I'm eating anymore. But it was a great day. It's been cold, but for our activity the sun came out and Julio was there. 

Also one day this week we were eating lunch with this dude Jorge Villanueva, he's 71, and a recent convert. He told us that he wakes up at like 3 or 4 am and sits outside to watch the stars and enjoy the universe silently. So we decided to set an alarm that night for 3 am, go on our balcony and look at the stars for a couple minutes. So we did, and after like 30 seconds we realized that it wasn't worth it hahaha. But hey, did it for the experience. 

We went to visit Jose´s (he has one eye) to teach him and help him quit smoking.  We made these huge posters about quitting smoking and pictures of Jesus and put them all over his house.  

We did a noche de hogar  (family night) with another menos activo (less active) member family this week. It's a lady and her 2 sons. One of them, Santi, is 17... and he's just a teenager, kinda too cool for anything, ya know? But his mom made him participate  I'm sure. So after sharing 1 Nefi 16, about Nefi's broken bow.. we played a game. And I suggested "water in the face". (the only game i had off the top of my head haha) I think we played it a couple times in family nights. so we played it and it was a big hit! It was my turn to start it off and Santi guessed it right.. so I squirted my water bottle super hard in his face. And it got the who family laughing and then they got super into the game. It was great, and the mom was so happy that her sons were actually interacting with her. It brought the family together.  

We also taught a couple of the girls from the English class we visited last week. So we taught in English, and it's so hard to speak about the church in English haha. But one of them was saying that she doesn't really believe in God, because of all the bad things that have happened in her life. But we talked about the plan of salvation, and she says that she really wants to visit our church and learn more. 

We also found a guy named Armando, who's talked to missionaries for 20 years and has never came to church. But we met him on the street, then visited him in his home... and he came to church for the first time! we were so excited.  Crazy. 

 Anyway, it was a good week. And I probably only have 1 more week in Bella Vista! I've got to take lots of pics. I took some more pics this week of what Argentina looks like. This stick fence thing is really common here. 

PS: I haven't used a microwave in over a year 

"I Love She" Going to College

I've been thinking that I should read my Patriarchial blessing more honestly. But on my mission I've noticed how much it mentions the premortal existence.  In one part it said that I helped others gain the faith to come to earth. So I have more confident in applying that here, and try to help people have faith in their trials. I'm trying to figure out how to do that still.  

We started working with a family that we were lead to this week. The mom is an inactive member, and she has 2 daughters (24 yrs and 10 yrs) that aren't baptized members. And the discussions we´ve had have been so good! She hasn't been to church in years, and I think there is some resistance from their husbands...but for now they really enjoy our lessons. 

We also met a guy in a store who's studying English, and is pretty advanced. So he asked us to come to his English class in college and talk to them all so they could hear native speakers. So we went and it was awesome! Just a class of like 7 people, and they asked us what we do, why we´re here, what our daily schedule is, etc. So it was great because we got to help them with their English, but also they got to meet the missionaries and understand what it is that motivates us to leave home and preach the gospel. We hope that some of them call us to learn more! 

After the English class we were walking outside, and this dude runs up to us and in very broken English was like "do you guys have boyfriends" and we expained that as missionaries during this time we´re dedicated to the Lord, consecrated and don't date, etc. 

And he said "what a bummer!" and tells Hermana T.... "you are very pretty.. but your friend.. wow, I love she." hahaha we have been laughing so hard about that for the past 2 days. "I love she" 

 In 2014 A law passed by the Argentine Congress says public transport must have signs saying "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" (the Falkland Islands are Argentine).The Argentine MP behind the initiative said it would reflect "our undeniable sovereignty" over the islands. But the source said the move was a "hostile course of action".

The cold has started here! I'ts weird though because its not freezing freezing yet.. but its really chilly. And so I'm not really sure what to do as far as clothes. Because we cant just always wear leggings with our flats shoes. It doesn't look professional. Sooo.. we are cold a lot. Which is bad because then we cant concentrate on the lessons. And when we wake up/when we study its freeeeezing in our pension. But we just bundle up. Crazy because I'm just so used to hot weather now. MMMMM MATE!! 

Pre-mortal life prepared us for the hard times

Hermana Todd 

It was so good to talk to you guys yesterday on Mother's Day.  I miss you so much! Getting to talk to you guys made me so excited for the time when I can tell you stories and also about the different cultural things in Argentina. You looked beautiful and happy! 

Beautiful Sunsets 

This week we were going to have multizona.. which is my favorite thing because presidente teaches us and I always leave with new ideas and motivation. But it was canceled last minute because  the President got sick :( but I think we should be having it this week! We are working hard and have a few investigators progressing.   Please pray for Jlio, Blas, and Antonio! 

In my study this week I decided this week to go over the mission lessons, specifically the plan of salvation, because I just hate when I get in a routine.  I realized that I was skipping too fast over the pre-mortal existence and focusing more on this life and the spirit world after. But really its so important to understand where we came from and how we prepared to come here, and that we understood it would be hard, but that the hard times would serve as experience. 

Anyway, sorry I don't have a lot of details because we talked just yesterday. But I'm so grateful to be here right now! 

We had a ton of rain this week. One of the worst storms I'd seen. I'll try harder this week to take pictures of Bella Vista and the streets we walk on, houses, etc. Thanks for all your support and love. 

HAVE A GOOD WEEK!

Biggest Avocado

The Members Give us Referrals...

I had a great week! Seriously it was awesome. I'm loving my time with Hermana Todd and already feel like we´ve been friends forever. So on Tuesday morning as we traveled back from Goya, and she told me that her dad got cancer like 5 years ago, but did chemo, and it went into remission. But then it came back and was everywhere in his body. She told me the story and it took me by surprise. Turns out that her dad died 2 weeks before she left for the MTC. She is so strong! And she always is so happy and positive... I was thinking all day after that about how much i love you and dad. And I was reminded that I take you guys for granted sometimes. Love you! 

We went to a branch activity and it turned out great. It was raining, but the members all came anyway, and played futbol in the rain. One member, Hermana Rojas, brought a friend (Susanna). Susanna used to talk to elders, but her boyfriend was jealous and wouldn't let her continue. But she and her boyfriends separated 3 months ago and so she moved, and now we´re teaching her. She has a lot of interest in the gospel, and at the end of our lesson she said the prayer and cried. She said it was her first time praying and she felt the spirit so strong! 

Then we had another referral from a member.. .we started to teach his cousin, Antonio! He came to church this Sunday and accepted a baptismal date for may 26th! He´s even  going to do a service project on Friday with the priesthood group! We´re excited about him. 

Also our investigator Blas has really been progressing and was super excited to come to church. But then it was 9:00 and he wasn't there so we started the meeting, and I was a little sad. Then I see him walk through the doors! :) It was testimony meeting, and he loved it. I asked him afterward how he felt during church and he said "like I've been coming for years".. ahhhh  it made me so happy! I think he loved it, and his kids are accepting his decision to talk with us. We´re really happy about the work here. Its been great because the members have been so willing to work with us and give referrals.. which is new! 

We found this lady named Ana who recently moved from Buenos Aires, and we have super spiritual charlas with her. She was saying that she wants to believe in an after life.. but right now she doesn't think she does. So I suggested that we all kneel and she could offer a prayer and ask. And usually we don't do kneeling prayers, because we generally talk to people outside. But we were in her house so I thought why not. And the spirit was so strong, I could literally feel it filling the room. I really have been noticing God´s guidance.. because things just seem to work out. Like an appointment will fall through, and we´re sad.. but then we visit some people who aren't really progressing, or who usually aren't home.. but we are able to have a great break through with them. And every time I'm amazed at the wisdom and designs of God! 

We did divisions this week which was super fun! At the end of divisions we all say somethings we learned from each missionary. One hermana told me that she loved that i used the scriptures a lot and know how to use them.. which is something she had heard about me before and was finally able to see it. That made me feel good, because I'd been working lately on using the book of Mormon more. Like actually reading the stories and relating them to peoples lives instead of just reading 1 verse that proves a point in the restauración or something. She also said that I she likes how I relate the commandments and blessings we teach to our lives.  And that it always has to do with my family. which proves that my family is one of the most important things to me. And i guess that's true. I'm learning so much 

Staying in Bella Vista

We should be getting colder weather here actually ... within this next month. So that's gonna be awesome :) The only down side is that not as many people just chill outside their house drinking mate. When its hot, everyone's outside and its so easy to find people to talk to. 

This week was a little rough. Well first off I was sick with a cold, and it was just hard to find people. I just felt like we had walked every street and talked to every person. which was probably not true, but I was a little ready to change areas just to feel more effective working wise.

I'M STAYING IN BELLA VISTA! 

I was not expecting that at all, but I have a new companion...Hna Todd from Lehi.  She's super awesome, and I had done divisions with her before and I'm stoked. So all day yesterday we traveled to Resistencia to pick her up and then waited in the terminal a bunch. But I got to see a few hermanas that I knew in my training in Formosa.

 It was hard leaving Hna Balderee, but I'm sure she will do well with the change.  She is with Hna Howe my old comp.  We cried saying goodbye. it broke my heart, but I'll get to see her at multizona. 

So the news this week is that now I have 2 areas! They took the elders out of Bella Vista. So we have their area as well. That is crazy because it's a huge area to cover, but at least now we have some new places to discover and I'm glad for that.  Our investigator Julio came to church this Sunday! And he told us he's actually read half the BOM! 

ALFREDO :(

So on Sunday night I actually sent a text to Alfredo, telling him that Hna Balderree was leaving Bella Vista, and that we hope he´ll tell us when he's back in Bella Vista. Then on Monday morning there was a huge storm, and our power was out while we were packing up and leaving.. it was crazy. Then we got out of the taxi at the bus station with all the suitcases in the pouring rain.. and someone says "let me help you".. and I look over and its ALFREDO!!! I was so shocked. We chatted for a minute.  He said he will be done in July and can talk with us more then.  I know it was definitely not a coincidence we happened to be at the terminal at the same time.  I pray he will have the courage and confidence to make the change he knows is right sooner than later.  

Anyway, I'm excited for the new transfer! LOVE YOU so much I'm excited to hear your voice on mothers day! 

One Year Down

Hello Everyone...

On April 12th I hit my ONE YEAR mark!! The night before that, we were walking home, and Hermana B  made me stand in the store and stare at the door while she bought me something. Then when I woke up the next morning she had put a Coke, an alfajor (candy), and a note on my desk - so cute. It was a super stormy day, so we ended up having to return home by 7pm.  Can't believe ill only have 4 transfers left. It seems so short, but I know I can still accomplish a ton in 6 months. 

So we´ve been preparing Maíra for her baptism this week. She's progressing a lot, and was excited for next Saturday, but didn't make it to church this week. Please pray all goes well.  

We are also teaching Jose - he owns a mattress store.  We gave him a Book of Mormon, and then we decided to bring him some banana bread one day, and he actually invited us to eat lunch at his house on Saturday. and said we´d talk about his questions about the pamphlet of the restoration. So I prepared a ton, getting all my scriptures ready.. and the lunch went well.. just small talk. Then he and his wife started asking us questions about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith and testified that he would have to inquire and receive an answer for himself that these things are true, but he said he really wasn't interested in knowing anything more than the Bible.  I left him to read 2 Nephi 28:29-30, and his wife said she would like to read it and see what it has to say.  We are not here to convince people, only to find those who WANT to know and understand gods truth.  They are the only ones who can truly HEAR his voice anyway.  

We are teaching Blas...

So next week ill be writing on Tuesday instead of Monday because of transfers!! I may be staying in Bella Vista or going...not sure. 

Thanks for all you do :) and for always updating me on the family. You´re such a great example to me of love, service, discipline, and faith! 

LOVE YOU

Hermana Hall 

Maira is getting baptized!

Transfers are the 23rd or 24th in 2 weeks. I have no idea if I´ll stay in BV. Really I'd like to stay to baptize Maira.  I've realized lately though that I"m ready for a change. I've been here for 3 transfers...so 3+ months.  

We had an awesome experience with her this week. She really likes our visits, and believes that what we taught was true.. but also believed that all churches were good and true. Then she was reading while her kids were sleeping.. in the BOM in Alma chapter 34, that I marked for her. She came to verses 17-21 and then right after, she paused and said a prayer.

17 Therefore may God grant unto you, my brethren, that ye may begin to exercise your faith unto repentance, that ye begin to call upon his holy name, that he would have mercy upon you;

18 Yea, cry unto him for mercy; for he is mighty to save.19 Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto him.20 Cry unto him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all your flocks.21 Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household, both morning, mid-day, and evening.
She got an overwhelming feeling that God loved her and was listening. She has been determined to be baptized
ever since.  

This week I read the talk by Thomas S Monson called Charity Never Faileth. I love that story he tells about the lady always thinking her neighbor had dirty laundry, until her husband cleans their window.. and she finds out it was her dirty window the whole time. I was thinking about how much I try to get the mote out of other peoples eyes, and don't pay attention to the beam I have in mine. Especially with other missionaries.. because there are a few really disobedient elders in our zone..and it bothers me so much to see that they aren't working. I know I need to develop charity and not judge them. and focus more on my faults, and let them work out their own salvation. 

We´ve been in touch with Alfredo! He´s starting to doubt if he should leave his seminary now. And that's what he gets for delaying acting on his answer.. he cant spend time with the Priests all day and then expect to maintain his testimony and promised blessings. Please pray for him.  

Let it Go....

Sounds like fun at the cabin! Nothing more relaxing than chilling and playing banana grams :) haha I wish I would have brought that to play on p-day. We play a lot of Uno! 

We  had a good week. We had our multizona meeting, which is always awesome. In my interview with presidente, he asked if I wanted to stay or leave Bella Vista for next transfer. And I have loved Bella Vista, and I love my zone. so part of me wanted to request to stay. But I told him that I want God's will to be done and to do whatever he felt was right. I don't want to ask to stay if really Heavenly Father wants me in a different area. 

We have an investigator named Nancy.. and shes super nice, and loves the Book of Mormon. But being Catholic she has told us she has no intention of changing. We felt inspired to bring our little DVD player and the Restauration video to watch with her.  After the movie she was like "aw que lindo!" and then we recognized the Spirit that was there testifying of truth, and she got emotional and cried a ton. She couldn't even describe how she felt. It's so amazing to see the spirit testify to people, and then help them recognize what it is. She´s praying about baptism now.  

We also talked to Maíra, who came to church last week with all her niños, and was running around the entire time because of them. And so we thought she would say it's to difficult to come again.. but we talked to her and she said that her experience at the church was better than she had anticipated. That at her church she always gets bored.. but in ours, no! 

We all cooked something to share for conference. me and my comp made homemade scones and honey butter.. it was delicious. 

In General Conference I loved how president Nelson helped us to know how to receive personal revelation and the importance of that gift.  My comp and I get along really well, but when we have disagreements I am reminded that it's an opportunity to be humble and meek, and to just let it go.  I"m learning a lot about myself and how to resolve conflicts, how to be patient and how to forgive and just love people.  

Hope you have a great week :) ps, that Alfredo sauce packet you sent me was super delicious! I made it for me and my comp, and it reminded us of America! 

Clean the Inner Vessel

I'm so excited for General Conference!

I think we´ll travel to Goya to be in the "gringo room" so we can watch it in English. I can't believe its already been 6 months since the last conference.. time has flowwwwwwnnn. Also after this transfer I only have 4 left, which makes it seem so short. 

Yeah I guess Spanish is going well! I'm at the point where I can pretty much teach everything without a problem. And I'm sure its far from perfect.. but I do keep studying the language.  I've been reading the Liahona in English, and reading it out loud in Spanish. So I translate it as I go... and I think that really helps. I was talking to an elder from Colombia, and he complimented me on my accent.. said it wasn't too Gringa, so that's good :) 

This week we didnt get a lot done... we had to travel to re-do my tramites... (my visa stuff)... But we got to stay with Hermana Coleman, so I got to see my hija. and her Spanish has improved so much, it was so awesome to see! 

We taught a lady named Maíra, and shes awesome. 25 years old, single, but has 3 kids (ages 3, 2, and 2 months).-.. so shes got her hands full. But she came to church!!! The whole time her kids were running around, wouldn't stay in primary, etc. but over all, she really liked church, and wants to come again! So we´re gonna invite her to baptism this week. 

This week I read the talk by Niell F. Marriott from October conference. And it really left an impression on my.  I want to share a few quotes that I loved: 

"It is now with our human limitations that the father asks us to love when loving is the most difficult, to serve when serving is inconvenient, and to forgive with forgiving is soul-stretching"

"Healing emotional distance between each other will require our acceptance of gods love, coupled with a sacrifice of our natural selfish and fearful tendencies."

"We can lose our trusting connection to God if trials drive us to distraction instead of sending us to our knees". 

I decided that I'm focusing this week on "cleaning the inner vessel".. and on humility, and how I can love and serve, when it seems to be the hardest.