Mighty Change of Heart, equipo de fútbol del siglo, y Mighty Change in Body

HELLO my family and friends! Don't have a lot of time today, but this was a great week and a great setup for this week to come!

Mighty Change of Heart: The Amaro family has progressd very well, and Dario has turned really happy! Big contrast to when we met him. Dario, Joanna & Fernando are currently working on trying to quit smoking (which has gone VERY well!), Fernando is trying to change his work schedule to be able to go to church, and Dario and Joanna are trying to finish up the new house and find money to be able to get married. The kids, Nicole (10) & Damian (8) came to church with us this week and absolutely enjoyed it! Amazing to see the change so far in our new friends, and I am excited to see the progress hereafter!

Equipo de fútbol: We brought Dario and Fernando to football night in the church court Saturday night, and it helped them to get to know some people and break the ice, and also see the sacrament room! We started off a little rough, but afterwards, we won 5 games straight. Elder Souza and our friends were making all sorts of ridiculous goals, and I had a ton of saves, let in very little, and almost scored on a boomer from my end!

Mighty Change in Body: Photo with mate was in Chuy when I had a belly and had lost muscle. But it pays to obey and exercise! (See pictures above)

Callie! That is so exciting that you got your own Book of Mormon! I am extremely excited for you to be able to read the Book of Mormon; I absolutely love it! I learn so much about Jesus, and I feel such a sweet, calm Spirit. In our church today we learned about eternal marriage and why it is so important and wonderful. We also learned about the priesthood. Love you!

Bear! Tell Ms. Connell that I say hi too! 39-4!? Ayayay, THAT is a beatdown for a basketball game. How is your new friend doing? Did she come to activity days? I love you!

Emma, how surprised was I that you made DanceCo? NOT AT ALL. How surprised was I that there is a guy on the team? A tad.. Who is this springing young fellow? Haha Josie pulling in for the save paying for breakfast. Breakfast in the morning when it's dark out is always fun. Now you just gotta do it at 2 AM like I did in high school. Love you!

Christian, tell Jake that I am super proud of him and that he is gonna do awesome in Chile. Dude, same flight, same MTC. WHAT ARE THE ODDS!?  I will take your tip on the Israeli food, just need to make sure they remind me or I remember by the time I get home. Way to be a great support for 

Pops; I would have fared worse with only 13 miles. #DistanceWasNeverMyStrength Congrats on the Eagle, Christian! Way to tackle the beast once and for all! Continuing the Newman tradition! Let me know how Spirit Bowl goes and send me photos, if you can. Love you buddy!

Mom,  that is a very good idea with the Books of Mormon! Crazy to think how fast the time must be flying for y'all back home; here I am with almost 9 months! Time flies when you're busy and happy. Can't wait to see what your new calling is. Love you!

Pap, it wasn't pretty, but you finished the marathon, and that is what counts. Haha next year perhaps you'll be better prepared!  Love you tons, and happy recovery!

Love you all soo much! Here's to a happy, full week and more time next week to share about it all! ¡Ciao, mis queridos!

Con muchísimo amor,

Elder Newman :)

Mom’s Questions:

1. Mother’s Day is coming up in a few weeks. Any word on the guidelines for that? Are the rules the same as Christmas?

No word still. But I think they'll be talking about it soon

2. Packages?? I’m worried that since I sent a box, maybe you won’t get it. That makes me sad. Maybe I should stick to padded envelopes…

Getting it tomorrow! We always get our packages, its just that the Uruguay delay is real, and they also only give out packages in Zone Conferences, intercambios, or conferences in Carrasco (mission home).

3. How is Solange doing? Kevin sent me a pic of you on FB today. And it made me think of how things are going with his girlfriend. How about the Amaro family? And Santiago?

Solange and the son & daughter of Amaro came to church yesterday! Santiago no; we are trying to get his dad or another member to bring him now, because we've been the only ones who have brought him.

4. Christian and I are going to start shopping for his mission soon. What feedback can you give us on the clothing/missionary items we sent you with? What has worked well and what would you recommend us changing?

I honestly can't think of anything I would change! You did a masterful job with me. :)

Agua Tónica, Abe & Joe, Pescando Tiburones, y la Arma Secreta

 Fishing for the first time since being in El Pinar

 We didn't catch anything.

And just when I thought it couldn't get better! ¡Hola, mis queridos! ¡Que semana que fue ésta! (Translation: Hello, my dear ones! What a week this was!)  Miracles have been happening at greater and greater frequency, and I have seen hearts change. What joy! I hope you all had a very tender Easter this Sunday. What gratitude I have for my Savior and everything he's done for me.

Dude. Your leaping picture. Is the best. Elder Souza literally laughed for a full minute upon seeing it. I loved missionary season at PG even when I was a sophomore; the halls were alive with the Spirit of Christ and there was a palpable joy there. When you go to Santa Cruz, you will come to DEEPLY love them, every one. I am also beyond excited for July 25th! See you then, Elder! Love you buddy!

Haha Emma I'm right there with you; I'm much better with real guns than laser guns. But I did make quite the good sniper. I wish you luck in Physics! I remember the crazy stress that always prevailed in AP season. ¡Te quiero mucho!

Hey Bear, no worries; I always had fun playing against the older guys. Haha I still cannot believe that the Grovecrest I knew is gone; so crazy! Here the Uruguayans celebrate Easter, but there are less hunts for hard boiled eggs, and more chocolate eggs and Easter Bunnies for sale. I love you!

Callie, did I ever tell you how much I love Easter? I LOVE EASTER! I feel so happy and loved when I think of what Jesus did just for you, and just for me. He loves me! He love YOU! And He's alive once again! I missed you all in the Easter Egg Hunt but was happy to see you all so happy as well. I love you!

Mom, Elder Manzanares called me as well to let me know he was going to train; he was pretty excited too.  The temple and Easter this week were incredible for me; thinking about the love Jesus has for me is almost overwhelming. Soo soo happy for Gabby right now, and I can't wait to meet my new uncle.

Pap, haha I wish you luck at Salt Lake marathon; this will be tough!  I wish for photos of the solar! Tell Gavin and Adam that Elder Newman sends his love and support from Uruguay! Love the quote.

Arma Secreta: This week, we had quite a few charlas with members, and it sure made a difference! We had Hermano Dominguez, a convert and ex-bishop with a kind heart and a Jehovah's Witness past, accompanied us to Margarita, Valentina, and Aldana. Margarita has loved to listen to us but has not read the BoM or come to church. And this is her 3rd time talking with missionaries. Dominguez did a masterful job in answering questions she had, explaining the benefits of the auxiliary organizations, dropping cane on the JW's (you read that right. it was epic), and inviting her to act on the 3rd sign and visit that God had given her. Margarita seemed to connect a ton better with him than with us; what a help! We also met this wonderful family that recently moved in to our ward and are preparing to get sealed in the temple; Quintana! Capos, and with a pure love of the gospel; they are converts of 2 years, and they helped us SOO much in our most recent charla yesterday with flia. Amaro, clarifying doubts, telling their story, and inviting them to a Family Home Evening tonight at their place!

Abe & Joe: We often do practices with one being the missionary and the other investigator, and in a practice on introducing el Libro de Mormón, I asked Elder Souza to think of an investigator for me, and he said... Abraham Lincoln. Thus, I was Abraham Lincoln learning about the Restored Church and the recently-assassinated Joseph Smith. Truly epic

Agua Tónica: There is a carbonated water here that tastes like Sprite but has a very strong grapefruit aftertaste. Most people hate it, but I actually loved it.

We also went fishing this morning; my first time in a few months! We went on the hunt for sharks... and didn't catch a single fish in 3 hours. Turns out everyone went yesterday and caught just about everything. Etee…But it sure felt good!

Wellup, that's about it!

Con amor,

Elder Newman :)

Mom’s Questions:

1. Did your investigators come to church? How was Easter Sunday?

Santiago did!

2. Are any of your investigators still on track for their baptismal dates? How is Solange? And Damian’s family? Do you have Santiago back on board after his discipline from his mom?

Santiago and Solange need to set a new date, but all of Damian's family are set for the 13th of May! And we are back on track with Santi! Solange has been busy, more than anything, but still appears to have desires to continue forward. Another charla set!

3. Are you using your jump rope? How’s the fitness coming along?

Yes, and I now have almost a month straight of exercises in!

4. Did you get the package one of the members brought back from Utah when she visited a member in Grandma’s ward? How about the package I sent you in the mail?

Nope, and nope

5. What is something that made you feel joy this week?

Seeing the change in the Amaro family. A light is coming into their eyes that wasn't there before, and Dario has a little hint of a smile during the lessons!

Finger Snaps and Beat Boxing Videos

Temple Joys

 First temple trip in Uruguay

 Cool old car

Uruguayan Sunset

Hello dearest friends and family! Another change come and gone, and I will be staying in El Pinar to finish up Elder Souza's training. Man, I honestly believe I am the luckiest trainer ever; I have learned and grown sooo much with him, and we've seen many, many miracles together. We have some lovely people preparing for baptism (although we need to move practically all the dates now) and I am so excited for round 2! I feel very strongly that someone, if not more, will be taking their steps into the waters of baptism in these next 6 weeks!

Well, even though our charlas with Santiago have come to a standstill (see questions below), his 2 references he gave us were absolutely amazing! We clapped at the designated house and Damien (one of the 2) came out and told us that his parents said to come in. (normally kids are sent out to say that their parents are gone or busy). When we arrived at the front door, they were all seated already and invited us to take a seat! The family is Dario (Argentinian dad), Joanna (Uruguayan mom), Fernando (bro of Joanna), Nicole (daughter, 12) and Damien (son, 8). They have been all ears from the beginning and have expressed their trust in us and willingness to help us! We currently have parts of the Plan of Salvation and Restoration in because they had many questions in the first charla, and then we read 1 N 8 (the tree of life) together the 2nd charla. They have lots of promise!

Solange - even though she didn't attend this past week and we have to move the date - has been golden from the start, and Kevin has been the secret weapon for us! He sent her the link to the GC talk by Joaquin Costa, which almost made her cry, and has continued to share powerful, rich testimonies. She is soo close! We can see her conversion in her eyes. :)

Currently, we have been in the process of trying to find some of our investigators with whom we've lost contact, and as always, finding new people to share this joy with.

Temple Joys - Today we got to do a session in the Montevideo, Uruguay Temple for my first time! Such a beautiful temple despite being small; I felt such a sweet, strong Spirit. Lately in the scriptures I have learned much about the temple ordinances of salvation and that added knowledge made this experience all the sweeter. Please, set aside as much time as you can to attend and do vicarious work in the temple; once a week at the very minimum. It is such a sacred privilege to participate in the work of salvation, feel the Spirit of the Lord, and escape the dangers and evils of the world.

Christian, glad you had such an incredible time in Israel! When we ponder on the Savior's Atonement, it's always incredible, but MAN; when you consider it in the very place that He suffered infinitely, you can't even fathom the love He has for us. This will be of great value and strength to your testimony as you share the Savior's love with the people of Bolivia. You'll remember that trip forever. Can't wait to be reading your experiences in the field! BTW: when you get to the MTC, look for Hermanos Tapia and Hernandez. They were my ¡CAPO! teachers. Love you buddy!

Emma, hmm, scared easily.... that's what you get for watching Supernatural. Haha glad to see you girls had such a fun time for Spring Break. The weather's been that way for me in Uruguay; couple days of cool and rainy, and then blazing hot again. So I feel you in a completely opposite way. ¡Te quiero!

Sarah! I know how you feel about breaking the window; ask Christian about the two doors I broke! I think the talk you mentioned might have been by Gary E. Stevensen. Haha I cannot bowl to save my life. Tell Mrs. Allen Jackson says hi!

Callie! I am so jealous; French Toast and orange juice are THE BEST! Make sure you thank Grandma!  Man, that is a lot of birds! And I am surprised that Rafiki is still alive! I love you and miss you!

Mom, Israel looked absolutely amazing; I would love to go too! Glad to see y'all had such a great time. Tell Isaiah, word for word, "ISAIAH! That's my boy! Now don't be too tempted to go tackling kangaroos while on your mission in Australia!” Oh btw here's a bombshell for you: I want you to teach me piano again when I get home. I've repented.

Pap, it truly is amazing to walk the steps He walked and read about His life, and contemplate the wonder, agony, and joy of everything that happened to Him (and everyone before, of course). And then to imagine everything He went through there, and know that He has conquered it all and lives today just for us, there's absolutely no way to describe it. And we better talk up some mad Spanish when we're all home! Preserve it for generations!

Mom’s Questions :

1. How did transfers go? Do you get to stay and continue training Elder Souza? 

Yup! :)

2. What's the weather like? Is it starting to turn colder? 

Yes indeed, we've had a few rainy, chilly days this week.

3. Is Santiago still on track for his baptism this week? That would make for a very happy Easter. 

Nope; he has been temporarily suspended from charlas and attending church because he's been disobedient to his parents. Currently trying to start the charlas back up!

4. Did your Easter package arrive yet? 

Not yet, but fingers crossed!

P.S. Oh, I forgot! Everyone: if you have not seen the #PrinceOfPeace Easter videos on Mormon.org, PLEASE. DO IT. THEY ARE AMAZING. And then afterwards, share it with everyone; flood the Earth with the peace that only comes from the Prince thereof (John 14:27). Share it with your dearest friends; share it with the ones who need this peace the most. And then do whatever you do best to flood this war-filled Earth with His peace. May you all have an incredible Easter and feel His love and peace in your lives.

Con Amor,

Elder Newman J

Santiago, el capito; 5 vs. 5; y ¡profetas, videntes y reveladores vivientes!

 Pictures from our pday zone activity

¡Hola mis queridos! ¿¡Como os fue la Conferenica!? Fa, ¡yo amo la Conferencia más que yo pueda decir! Revelación un full, y amor más profundizado para el Evangelio eterno. :) Yo he incluido mis apuntaciones para vosotros; ¡disfrutad! (Translation: Hello my dear ones! How was the conference? Fa, I love the Conference more than I can say! Revelation a full, and deeper love for the eternal Gospel. :) I have included my notes for you; enjoy!)

Santiago, el Capito - Our little friend Santiago now has a baptismal date! 15/4/17! He told us that he knew the Book of Mormon was real and everything that happened in it and accepted the invitation without a hitch. Not only that, but he has been quite the little missionary for us! A while back, he introduced two new friends to the BoM, and he's given us 2 references in addition! That's what I call conversion! :)

5 vs. 5 - Not only have I learned the finger whip thing like you saw last week, but now I have mastered it. See vid.

Scriptural challenge! I invite you all to deeply study 2 Nephi 27:6-29 and see if you can find out anything interesting! I received some pretty mind-blowing revelation about the Book of Mormon this week reading these verses, and I want to see if anyone else can learn what I learned, or even something new! Let me know how it went next week!

Also, y'all need to listen to Forever by Nathan Pacheco this Easter season. I heard it a short bit ago from one of my zone leaders and man. The Spirit I felt was soo strong, and the song was absolutely gorgeous.

I love you all sooo much! Hopefully General Conference was all you wished it to be; now go and act upon the answers you have received, and you will see an even greater power be unlocked concerning Conference and revelation! The Book is Blue, the Church is True, and God loves every single one of you! ¡Así como yo os amo! (Translation: Just as I love you!)

Con amor,
Elder Newman :)