Tuesday, April 11, 2017

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

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