Elder ZJones: Staying on the Path and Holding to the Rod

We had a baptism this past week, listened to the Prophet speak, and had interviews with President Resek. So let's just say that it was a full week with many miracles and blessings from our Father in Heaven. Cristian's baptism this week was awesome and I had the opportunity to confirm him on Sunday. Though we have only taught him for three weeks, I have seen his testimony increase, his love for the Savior grow, and his progress in truly coming unto Christ. Baptismal days are the best days! You get to see those that you have taught make a promise with God that can help them for eternity.

Interviews went well with President Resek. He asked me to so a practice with him in Spanish about baptism. In the beginning I couldn't believe it, but it turned out pretty well. Practicing the lessons have helped me out so much! Even though I don't enjoy them, they do pay off.

Today I want to share something I learned in the scriptures. Every time I read 1 Nephi 8 I learn something new. In 1 Nephi 8: 24-28 it says:

24 And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree.

25 And after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed.

26 And I also cast my eyes round about, and beheld, on the other side of the river of water, a great and spacious building; and it stood as it were in the air, high above the earth.

27 And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit.

28 And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost.

When I thought about these verses, I realize that our progress on the path doesn't end once we get to the tree. I have always thought that once we get to the tree and eat the fruit its over and we are saved. But there is more. Once we eat of the fruit, we still have temptation, the pride of the world, and the darkness around us. There were many that were ashamed after they ate the fruit and wondered off towards the building and were lost. I learned that once we make it to the tree there is no exploring. We either stay or go. It's our choice. We have to continue to endure and eat of the fruit. We can't, at anytime, step away from the tree or all that we went through to get there can't lead us back. We need to determine where we are in the vision.

And if we are at the tree and can feel of His love, we need to stay there and not go exploring. We will still face trials and temptations, but we need to continue to eat and invite, then we will be saved.

Have a great week! Love you all!

Elder Jones

Elder ZJones: Baptisms

Ready for Zone Conference

We had Zone Conference this past week. The topic was (drum roll please).............Baptisms! Baptisms! Baptisms! Baptisms! Presidente Resek and the AP's talked with us about this year's mission goal to baptize 3840 converts, which is 48 baptisms per missionary for the year, four baptisms per month.! Presidente Resek explained the ways that we can prepare people for baptism and find people in our area who are ready for baptism.

I finished the Book of Mormon this past week (of course, in English!) and I can tell you that I know it is true. I enjoy my personal study a lot because it gives me this opportunity to read. And my testimony has  grown. I learned so many things that I didn't know before and things that have helped me in the mission. It is such a blessing in my life that I have this book to read, ponder, and pray. I know that it is true. It testifies of Jesus Christ from cover to cover and we can know His plan for us as we read. I'm so grateful I had family scriptures in the mornings growing up because they do help the day start out right!

I teach about the Book of Mormon everyday and have the opportunity to share its message with others. The words are truly written for us in our day and can help everyone of God's children on the earth today. I invite all of you to follow the counsel of President Monson and read the Book of Mormon everyday. I know we will receive many blessing and the help in our lives as we do.

Hoping our investigator answers . . .

My and my companion are preparing for a baptism this week. His name is Cristian and has so much love for this gospel. He was a reference from a member from a different area.  He is 16 and such an awesome kid. We have been teaching him for two weeks and I have already seen his faith and testimony grow so much. He gets involved and goes to mutual and activities. He is going with the youth this Saturday to go and see the temple, which will be an awesome experience for him. We have taught him the lessons and there were some things that he had to change in his life. He accepted our commitments and has made goals. He reads everyday and loves the Book of Mormon. Cristian is such an awesome kid!!

I just want to share that you can be missionaries as well. You can share the gospel, the Book of Mormon, and your testimony with those you feel are ready and need your message. I encourage you to find those who want the gospel but just don't know that they want it!

Have a great week! Praying for all of you and grateful for your prayers as well!

Ice Cream on P-Day!!

Elder ZJones: We Thank Thee, O God, For a Prophet

Yesterday, Fabricio received the Aaronic Priesthood. Next week, he will be able to pass the sacrament and take my spot. I usually help pass the sacrament every week, which is a blessing. But it is different here how they pass than what I have been used to. In our ward at home, you hand the bread and water trays to the first person on the bench and they pass it on to the next person down the row. Here, the priesthood holders who are administering the sacrament walk through the bench, squeezing their way through in order to pass it to everyone. It is so weird to me and I usually just hand it to the first person and they eventually understand what I want them to do! haha

It was sad to hear about President Monson's passing. I heard about it the day after her passed away, at about 12 in the afternoon. It was weird,because that morning, for some reason, I started thinking about President Monson. I though about him not attending General Conference and that he's sick. I didn't have an overwhelming feeling but I thought to myself, "I don't know, but today, this might be
the last day of the life of our prophet." Little did I know know that it was!

I am grateful for a living prophet and all that prophets do to lead and guide us. It is a blessing and the way we receive direction from out Father in Heaven.

I just want to express my gratitude for the knowledge and guidance that we have of a prophet. A prophet is called of God and receives direction for not only the members of this church, but for everyone on earth. As we listen and follow the counsels of the living prophet, we can receive blessing from our Father in Heaven. I am grateful for President Monson and all he did to lead this Church for the past 10 years. Even with a new Prophet, the words of the Lord are the same. I know this is true. It is important that we follow their words and read them frequently. Blessings come as we put in the
effort to recieve them!

Love you all and have a wonderful week!

Elder Jones

Elder ZJones: Happy New Year!!

Yrupe and Fabricio

Feliz Navidad and Happy New Year!

This past week we had a baptism. We baptized the two children, Yrupe and Fabricio from the Escobar Family. It has been such a blessing to work with them and help them grow in the gospel. This next week, Fabricio can receive the Aaronic Priesthood, which is so awesome! Their family has been though the ups and downs and have now received many of the blessing from their faith and
trust in the Lord!

We are still working with the Cornejo Family and hoping they come to understand the importance of coming to church and enduring to the end. We are also working with a less active member named Nancy. Her daughter, Ludmila, hasn't been baptized. Nancy served a mission and knows this
church is true. She just has some problems and concerns that are keeping her from coming to church. Please pray that she can understand the help that she can receive from the Lord.

Mission Christmas Party

Presidente Resek has come up with a goal. This goal is for all missionaries. He said that every missionary can baptize 48 people this year! As we are obedient and work hard everyday and all day, we will see the blessings of these baptisms and I know that it is possible.

This past week week we met a kid named Christian. His friend is a member who told us to go by and teach him. We taught Christian about the Restoration, the Book of Mormon, and prayer. When we talked about prayer he explained that he prayed that two missionaries would come and teach him. This was such a blessing to me that the Lord does answer prayers on both sides. We have been praying to find those who are ready and what to hear our message while Christian has been praying to
receive us.

Christmas Eve

Being able to Skype home was awesome. Definitely the best Christmas present. It makes me happy to see that my family is happy.

Grateful for all of you and this New Year. There has been so much change in my life, but I'm glad that I can make goals to become a better person and better missionary!

Love, Elder Jones

Package from home (HAIR GEL!!!)

Elder ZJones: Lighting the World with His Gospel

To start out, it doesn't feel anything like Christmas!! It feels like the middle of July with no snow and Christmas music. I am still trying to get used to summer in the winter and winter in the summer. haha

Transfers are this week. Elder Sena and I are both staying in our area, Marcos Paz. We are both excited to continue to work and help the people here come unto Christ!

We have a baptism this week with the Escobar Family! They have come a long ways and we are baptizing their children, Erupe and Fabricios. The parents are still working to get married so that the wife can be baptized, hopefully in January. I have truly grown to love them and help them.

Throughout the past weeks of teaching and hearing about their problems, I have understood more about Jesus Christ this season and how much Christ's Atonement means to us. It is a way that we can change, become better, and make it back to him through covenants.

Elder Sena cooling down

We are also working with the Cornejo Family. Throughout the past couple weeks, they have started to read their scriptures and pray. I have seen a change in their lives and how much happier they are. We
are working with and teaching their daughter who hasn't been baptized. We are praying for her as well as her parents to remember those blessings that can come with baptism.

So our district leader asked me to talk during district meeting last week about ways to be a better missionary. I came up with three points, one of them being obedience. Obedience is the first law of heaven. If obedience is the first law in heaven, it better sure be the first law in our homes and
on the mission as well! Obedience is of great importance to us, especially as missionaries. Another point was to be better at teaching. And the thought I shared was if you try to work harder than your companion, and you are both trying to work harder than each other, the work will grow and you will continue to grow and increase on the work.

Grateful for this gospel, especially this Christmas season and for the birth of Jesus Christ. He is our loving Brother and sacrifices everything for us so that we can be happy!

Merry Christmas!!

Elder Jones

Chocolate Banana Pancakes for our investigators!

Elder ZJones: Sometimes We Walk in Darkness

El Campo

The one big thing that I learned this week is sometimes we walk in darkness to receive something great in the end. This past week I had my interview with Presidente Resek. We talked about our investigators, area, and companionship. We talked about things I have learned and things I can work on. It is a time when I can truly feel the love that the mission president has for each and every missionary.

One thing that we talked about is found in 1 Nephi 8.

7 And it came to pass that as I followed him I beheld myself that I was in a dark and dreary waste.

8 And after I had traveled for the space of many hours in darkness, I began to pray unto the Lord that he would have mercy on me, according to the multitude of his tender mercies.

9 And it came to pass after I had prayed unto the Lord I beheld a large and spacious field.

10 And it came to pass that I beheld a tree, whose fruit was desirable to make one happy.

In the beginning, Lehi found himself in a dark place. There was darkness a around him and he didn't exactly know where he was going. He traveled for hours but continued to walk. Would you continue to walk? This shows a lot about faith. Continuing to walk though we don´t know the outcome. But after these hours, through much prayer and looking to the Lord, Lehi receives happiness.

Presetando servicio

This is the same with us and with my investigators. Many times, before we receive the great gift in the end, we have to walk through darkness, and this can feel like forever. This could be things in our
family, job, school, and decisions. All of these things can create darkness around us. But as we understand that the Lord can help us press forward, continue walking, we can receive happiness.

With the Escobar family having many problems, we helped them understand this concept this past week. Iris, an new investigator, is having difficulty in the idea of baptism even though she knows the  church is true. But I know that the Lord will help us when we ask Him. It may take time, but in the end we will be happy.

I am feeling this right now at this time in my mission. But I know that the Lord is here to help me. It may take months for me to see the results, but when I see them I can
thank Him for these blessings.


I am praying for you all! Have a great week!

Love,
Elder Jones

End of the day

Elder ZJones: The Plan of Salvation

Elder Jones and Elder Oakes

God has a plan. This plan is so that we can be happy. He has given us this plan because He loves us and wants us to be happy. With this plan we can experience joy and peace.

We lived with Heavenly Father before we came to earth. There, we learned about His Plan for us and how we can come to earth and receive a body. We would also be giving agency, our right to choose.

We wanted all of these things and decided to come to earth.

We are now here on earth experiencing everything we could think of. We came to earth because we wanted to be like our Heavenly Father. Here, we experience sorrow, joy, happiness, and anger. All of these things help us grow and learn, and in turn, learn more of how to become like our Father in Heaven. But none of us is perfect, except for our brother, Jesus Christ. Because of His atonement for us, we can repent and feel more joy and happiness. That is our goal. We want to one day return to our Heavenly Parents and live and become like them.

But we all experience death.

Because of the fall of Adam and Eve, our bodies are imperfect. We will one day leave this earth. Our physical body and spirit will be separated. From there, we live in the Spirit World. In the Spirit World we continue to learn and grow. We are able to learn more about God's Plan for us and how we can become closer to Him.

Elder Jones and Elder Oakes

During the resurrection, we will receive a perfect body. Everyone will receive this gift. Those who have died will be reunited again with their perfect, physical body. We will them be judged and placed into a Kingdom that fits with how we lived our lives. The greatest and highest Kingdom is the Celestial Kingdom. There, we can live with Our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ forever. We can live with our families forever and one day become like our Father.

I  know this is true.

My testimony on this has grown today. I know that God does have a plan. This Plan isn't made to make us feel anything but joy and happiness. We are given this plan because of the great Love that Our Father has for us and all of us made a decision to follow His plan. As we work everyday to: increase our Faith in Jesus Christ, repent, keep our covenants with God, have the companionship of the Holy Ghost, and endure faithfully, we can receive all that our Father has and have eternal life.

Please pray for me this week so that I can truly apply this on my mission.

Elder Jones

**This morning Zeram got a call from Presidente Resek informing him that his first mission companion, Elder Mason Oakes, who completed his mission 12 days ago, was killed in a car accident last night. Please pray for the Oakes Family, for all those those who served and were touched by the life of Elder Oakes in the Buenos Aires West Mission, and all those who have been affected by this tragic event.

Elder Jones and Elder Sena

Elder ZJones: Families Are Forever

This week has been one to remember. A lot went on that has helped me grow spiritually.
I got a new companion this week. His name is Elder Sena. He is from Brazil and has been a member for three years. He is 21 years old an

d has been on the mission for 14 months. He mostly speaks all in Spanish, and now that he is my comp, I am speaking so much Spanish throughout the day, which is hard at times. I don't know much and I can't get everything across that I say, but I know that this companionship will help strengthen my Spanish. I am still trying to understand my companion and figure him out. It is hard to do that with a language barrier.

I had my first baptism and confirmation this week. It was such an amazing experience. It was awesome to see how much it impacted Bibiana by being baptized and receiving the Holy Ghost. Seeing this has given me more energy to go and teach. In a year, Bibiana and her family can go and be sealed in the temple. This is such a great blessing and gift that we have received from the Lord, being able to live with our families forever. This gospel truly does bless families and truly wants us to be happy. Speaking of families, one thing I really miss being out here on the mission, is having family home evening every week. But I know that I have another work I am doing right now. A work that is not centered around me learning, but centered in teaching others.

We are still teaching the Escobar Family and they all came to church on Sunday! They are an awesome family. Right now, we are helping them get married.

This week  I gave my first, Spanish priesthood blessing. During lunch with a member, her son (who isn't a member) was eating with us. He is in his 30's and explained that he has many problems and questions in his life. We taught him about prayer and how the Book of Mormon can answer his questions. We explained about priesthood blessings and he asked for one. He asked me! And, with help at the beginning from Elder Sena, I gave him a blessing. It was such an awesome experience and the Spirit was strong. I am grateful for the priesthood that I hold and the many things I can do to bless the lives of others.

I know this gospel is true and the Spirit is here to teach. To be completely honest, the past 13 weeks of Church have been difficult for me because I can't understand the speakers or a lot of what is being said. But, I do feel the Spirit. The spirit knows all languages and can help us feel of Gods love and power though I may not understand. I love this gospel and work. This work truly does change peoples lives and makes them happy!

Elder Jones

Elder ZJones: Why We Preach and Teach

This week has been a crazy one. A lot of rain at the beginning of the week. It wasn't the best experience, especially when I am riding on a dirt road on a bike. Half the time I am pulling and pushing my bike through the mud!

Our investigators are doing great. Bibiana is going to be baptized this Saturday. We are all excited for her and the decision she had made to be baptized. We also met another guy named Sebastian. We taught him the Restoration. He had many questions and really wants to believe that our message is true. We are working with him to help him and his family.

A funny thing that happened this week. On Saturday we met a guy on the street. He was really drunk and we started talking with him. We invited him to church and he actually came. He was drunk when he came, though. He slept in principles class and started snoring really loud. During Sacrament Meeting, he sat quietly and listened. I don't really know if he is interested or not. Along with the bishops, we talked to him a little about coming to church. He wants to change his life so we are trying to figure out how to help him.

My Companion goes home today, meaning tomorrow, and I will receive new companion. I know his name is Elder Sena and he is from Brazil. I'm excited but also not sure what to think because our area just doubled in size and there is a lot of work that needs to be done. I am hoping that we are both ready to help and teach in this area.

I was reading in Preach My Gospel and read this:

Elder Dallin H. Oaks said: “We do not preach and teach in order to ‘bring people into the Church’ or to increase the membership of the Church. We do not preach and teach just to persuade people to live better lives. … We invite all to come unto Christ by repentance and baptism and confirmation in order to open the doors of the celestial kingdom to the sons and daughters of God. No one else can do this”

The most important thing for me to do and the my purpose in Argentina is to help people come unto Christ. By helping them come unto Christ I need to help them repent and be baptized. It is good if they hear the words that we speak to them, but it is important and vital that they come into the fold of God and do the things necessary to live in the presence of God one day. I know this is true and that this church and the message I share can truly change people lives!

Elder ZJones: Members! Members! Members!

I have to pay to use the Internet and how much usually depends on where we go. It is usually around 50-100 pesos. I am getting used to the money system, although I don't really know yet how much large amounts are converted into us dollars. I am still trying to get used to things. The food here is pretty good, although I get a lot of Milanesa! I don't think I have gained any weight, but if I have, it has only been a small bit.

We usually have members cook lunch for us . . . when they actually do. If not, we get mission money to purchase food for the week and month. I have had a lot of pancakes and bread. We go to a laundry mat for laundry. It is 100 pesos a load, which is ok.

It gets warm here, too, but it has also been raining a lot for the past few days. It is better than the cold, though.

My Spanish is coming. I am getting the gospel language down. From the lessons we have taught, I am starting to understand the vocab for it.

We had a zone conference on Thursday. Presidente and Hermana Resek spoke to us. Thy talked a lot about becoming spiritual giants. By using the Spirit, the Book of Mormon and all our energy, the Lord can use us as instruments.

Presidente made a new rule. Beginning with the second lesson and on, he wants a member present in all of our lessons. But our ward doesn't help the missionaries. So we are trying to figure out the best way to get out bishop and ward mission leader to help us more with the work.

This week has been awesome! Our investigator Viviana is still is planning to be baptized. She has been investigating the church for years and I really believe she is ready. She has a strong testimony and loves this gospel. We have many other investigators but it has been hard to find them. Ana is one. She committed to baptism and loved the messgae of the Restoration, but for the pasttwo2 weeks we haven't been able to find her. Pray that we will be able to find her and she will be still ready for the gospel.

We had a miracle in church this week. When we got to church there was a man and a woman that we hadn't seen before. Apparently he is a member and hasn't been to church in over ten years. The woman isn't a member but interested in the gospel message and wants to learn more. It is a miracle to see the ways the Lord help us with the work. As we patiently wait and pray for people, He will help us find those we need to teach.

 I was reading this week more about my purpose as a missionary. And I came across this verse. It can apply to us .

1 Nephi 8:12 And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit.

The fruit is the fruit of the gospel, the gospel of Jesus Christ. We have it and it has made us happy. As a missionary I am desirous that others can have the same happiness of the gospel. We should all pick some fruit, whatever it may be, Books of Mormon, our testimony, service, whatever, and give them out. This will allow us all to give and receive the love and joy of this gospel. I know that this is true.

The fruit can change others lives and we can be the ones who give it out!

Elder Jones

Elder ZJones: We Have a Loving Heavenly Father

I will just start out by saying that it was a tougher week. Not many people were excited to have us stopping them on the street or knocking on their doors. Elder Oakes and I increased our contacting but didn´t receive many people who were interested. This makes it hard for us when we don't have people to teach. It is also hard when our ward is the same. We need to better get our ward involved with missionary work, but it is difficult when they aren't that interested.

One sister, with whom we had a baptismal date, didn't come to church yesterday so we have to reschedule her baptism and we haven't meet with her all week. She said she was going to be gone but then we saw her during the week. I don't know if she just isn't interested...but hopefully everything works out. I am still trying to figure out what is best to do to find people. It is especially hard when I don't really know the language. But I know that I will eventually figure it out.

We have been focusing on the Book of Mormon. Presidente Resek wants us to teach them Book of Mormon immediately when we talk to people. I have gotten better but I can always do more. I hate seeing people close their doors or walk away. As I continue to teach and use the Spirit, I can better teach the people.

This week I have my testimony of my Father in Heaven has grown. Many (to most) of the people that I talked to this week explained that they don't believe in God. Many asked crazy questions about God's power and existence. As we tried to help them understand more of God they didn't want to hear any of it or believe in it. We see His existence all around us. In this gospel, the world around, and the plan He has in store for us. Everything that we do is because of our Heavenly Father, and I know that He is there, watching over us.

God has a plan, and this plan is for everyone. And everyone deserves it. It can help everyone. The Book of Mormon can answer any question that we have if we just take time to listen and understand what they Lord wants to give us. I have prayed more on my mission then at any other time. I find myself praying for everything and I am grateful because I know that Heavenly Father is listening and answering.

Elder Jones

Elder ZJones: The Gospel is Everything

I am already on week three in the mission.

There are so many feelings that are good into the mission. Frustration. Joy. Peace. Everything about the mission is difficult, but it is totally worth it.

 Not much has changed since last week. We have a ton of investigators we have been teaching. We have one lady named Bibiana Ruiz that has a baptismal date for the 11th of November. Her husband and two daughters are already members. When we went over to teach her she explained to us that she was ready to be baptized. It was an awesome experience to see her making that decision for herself. It is awesome when we are able to change peoples lives, but when they choose for themselves it makes it 100 times better.

This week we had interviews with Presidente Resek and through my interview I was able to get to know him a little more. He explained to me the importance of the Book of Mormon and why when we teach about it when we make contact with people. He also explained that The Book of Mormon testifies of the Atonement of Jesus Christ more than any other book. Throughout my reading I have focused to see how important the Atonement is to me and how it is found all over the Book of Mormon. Presidente Resek has helped me so much and is really loving. He always encourages us to be better and work harder.

Yesterday, in Argentina, it was Mothers Day!! Because of this, Presidente let us Skype our families!! It was such an awesome opportunity. Though it has only been two months it was great to see that my family is doing well. (They all need haircuts though!! ha ha)

 I am grateful for this gospel. The mission is hard but that is the way it is supposed to be. This gospel expects people to change, and if I don't change on the mission, the people won't change either. I know the Atonement is real and the Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ! This gospel is everything and can help us with anything!

Elder Jones

Elder ZJones: It's Mother's Day in Argentina . . .

Which means we TOTALLY got a call in October!

The funny thing about technology is that Skype and Hangouts DID NOT work very well going through the computer at all.

So we took the the smartphone to actually have an interrupted conversation!!

Zeram is doing so well. Loves his mission. Made some personal goals this week to help him become a better missionary.

And, above all, he is happy!

Elder ZJones: Spanish is HARD

Mission weeks are full! There is so much that goes on in the mission field and a lot that needs to get done. Teaching, contacting, investigators, and studies. It makes the day full. I am still trying to get used to everything and transitioning to be a missionary. I think the hardest part is the language.

First, is trying to understand. There are some days where I can pick out words from conversations and get the jest of what is being said. Then, there are other day where I am totally lost. Second, is speaking. I am very limited on what I can say. I know the gospel but not the words. This can be frustrating at time in lessons and contacting people. There have been times where my companion turns to me to answer and I have no clue what happened! I just need to be patient. It will take time. I just have to continue to try to speak and understand the people.

The daily schedule is good. We get up at 6:30. We have 30 minutes to workout. We have until 8:30 to eat and get ready for the day. Afterward, we have daily planning and personal study. After that it kinda depends on what we planned for the day. There are some things we have to do. We fit in companionship study, language study for an hour a day, and doce semanas 12 weeks), my training. If we have citas (lessons), we work around them. We do contacting to find people to teach. We don't have a siesta, we usually contact during that time. We are in our pension (apartment) at 9:00 and go to bed at 10:30.

How we receive investigators most of the time is through contacts. As we contact people in the streets, we are able to teach lessons to them later through the week. As we are able to teach them more about the gospel and principles that can help them, I have seen a difference in how it has affected them. For some, it is easy to understand and for others it is harder. I think the hardest thing I have seen so far is authority. It is hard for them to understand that there is one true church and God's authority is important. Many believe faith is enough. Elder Oakes and I are trying hard to help them understand more about the importance of the power of God that our church as been given.

I don't understand the layouts of the streets just yet. We have bikes but also do a lot of walking to contact people on the streets. A lot of people walk pass and don't look at us. Most people say hello back but aren't interested. I like how my companion gives me opportunities to speak to people in the streets. My comp has been here for two transfers. There are two other elders in out same area and ward. Elder Williams came with my group and is new like I am. He is from Syracuse, Utah. The other elder has been out eight months. He is from Montana. It is always fun to talk with them.

Let me just say that church here is nothing like church in Utah!! The wards are so small. The building is very small, as well. We live about 10 minutes walking from the church building. We were able to have two of our investigators come to church, which was a blessing. It was Fast Sunday yesterday and I went and introduced myself. It was awesome, though my Spanish was probably wrong. haha

I still don't have words to describe the mission. I am so excited to eventually learn the language and help the people in the best ways that I can. The mission is hard, but it changes us. It helps us focus more on others rather than ourselves.

There are long weeks ahead that I know will change my life!

Love, Elder Jones

Elder ZJones: My First Real Week in Argentina

What a crazy week!!!

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