I left the MTC last Tuesday morning. From there, I met my mission president, President Resek, and received my trainer. My trainer is Elder Oakes! He is from Yuba City, California! He is really awesome. He speaks English which is nice because he helps me understand a lot of what is going on. I am his very last comp. He leaves home in November!
I am serving in the area of Marcos Paz. It is an area about an hour out from Buenos Aires. There are two wards in this area and six missionaries. Apparently, this area isn't an area that baptizes a lot and not a lot happens. But we want to change that. There are a lot of dirt roads and mud. It rains pretty good down here. I have a bike, which is nice. We can get around faster. We also get around by bus and they get so full of people!
The language is difficult. I did learn some things in the MTC, but it isn't the same. I can't really understand any of what the people are speaking. I am very limited on what I can say. My companion is great and helps me a lot on what people ask me and what we are talking about. We have done a lot of contacting and placing Books of Mormon. This past week, we have taught some lessons and I have gotten to know more about some of the people we will be teaching.
The food here is great! They have a lot of meat with their food--which is awesome! I have had soup, Milanesa, Choripan, and other things. Still getting used to it, if you know what I mean. We also receive food a lot from members. We don't have siesta time so members feed us lunch then we go teach or contact. I love contacting people even though I don't understand the people. My comp helps me out.
And there are dogs everywhere here. All over the streets you can see dogs sleeping and trying to find food. The driving here is crazy as well! I am so glad that I am not driving here. I know it wouldn't end well! ha ha
General Conference was awesome. I learned so much and was able to watch it in English! One of my favorites was the talk from Elder Ballard. He said that we need to welcome anyone who is making their trek today towards this gospel. I need to use my energy, strength and testimony to bring the blessing of the gospel of the Restoration to them. Because this gospel is for every, single one of God's children, not just an elect few. I need to talk and share the gospel with as many people as I can out here.
I am grateful that I am able to serve a mission. Though I can't understand the people here I know that they need the gospel and want it. The best thing we can do is to bear our testimonies to them and help them feel the Spirit. I know the gospel is true and am already loving Argentina!!!
Love, Elder Jones
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