Dear Family,
How are you? I am well — it's been a busy week!
Today we cleaned the apartment rather thoroughly. It's unusually
large, so it becomes difficult to clean. We invited two over
companionships over and had a barbecue (asado).
We worked a bit more with members this week.
I managed to re-inventory all of the visa documentation of the whole
mission this week, given that an exchange resulted in me having an
assistant for a day. Our visa consultant, Hno. Vilche, keeps on
working miracles — this week he arranged that any missionary with an
expired visa can renew it by appointment instead of waiting several
months for a 'turno.' I think we'll soon have all of our visas
up-to-date.
Ruth is still progressing but needs to work out her situation with
Hector; Julio didn't come to church this week (we suspect because of
Mother's Day — it was this past Sunday in Argentina), but is otherwise
progressing well and his wife is becoming more interested.
Love,
Elder Schlachter (photos)
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
October 10, 2011, Cordoba, Argentina
Dear Family,
Thank you for you letters! I wasn't aware that it was Thanksgiving—I'm
not sure if it is celebrated in Argentina, but I suppose that the
American one might be. However, today is a holiday of some sort, and
so we're heading off to play tennis with President Salas and his
family this afternoon.
The week went quickly, as usual! In the office we spent quite some
time running around downtown in the van, managing the sudden travel of
a missionary to Buenos Aires for visa issues, and helping with a
multi-stake service activity on Saturday.
We were in a lesson this week teaching about baptism. Thought: By
being baptized, we promise to God that we'll do everything that He
desires that we do, and upon making this covenant with Him, He
promised to give us the Holy Ghost, which will "show unto [us] all
things what [we] should do." It's an act of faith and demonstrates the
trust we have in Him and His requirement that we "offer [our] whole
souls as an offering unto him."
We've been working a lot with two long-time investigators, Zenon and
Estela Mari. They've been going to church for a year, and they're
waiting for Zenon's Bolivian documentation to arrive so that they can
be married and baptized. Zenon has been referred to as the
Investigator's Quorum President, and this week we've been working with
some of their acquaintances. One is Ruth, who is 18 and living
together with Hector, who is also eighteen, and they have one daughter
and another child on the way! Ruth wants to be baptised, and we met
Hector this week—the first thing that we taught them was about the
Atonement, then we talked about how we need to keep the commandments,
and then, to use a latin phrase that is commonly used in Spanish here
in the mission, ipso facto we taught them about chastity and invited
them to get married! Ruth came to church yesterday, and Hector, not
yet, so we'll be continuing to work with them. Ruth has a baptismal
date for the twenty-second.
We were in a lesson with Julio, a friend of a recent convert, and
Julio asked us, "So Elders, how is baptism done?" He wants to be
baptized on the 29th, he's been reading the Book of Mormon, and prays.
We met the mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law in this appointment,
and both also seem interested, so hopefully we'll get to teach them
this week too.
Thank you for writing to me! I love you all,
Elder Schlachter
Thank you for you letters! I wasn't aware that it was Thanksgiving—I'm
not sure if it is celebrated in Argentina, but I suppose that the
American one might be. However, today is a holiday of some sort, and
so we're heading off to play tennis with President Salas and his
family this afternoon.
The week went quickly, as usual! In the office we spent quite some
time running around downtown in the van, managing the sudden travel of
a missionary to Buenos Aires for visa issues, and helping with a
multi-stake service activity on Saturday.
We were in a lesson this week teaching about baptism. Thought: By
being baptized, we promise to God that we'll do everything that He
desires that we do, and upon making this covenant with Him, He
promised to give us the Holy Ghost, which will "show unto [us] all
things what [we] should do." It's an act of faith and demonstrates the
trust we have in Him and His requirement that we "offer [our] whole
souls as an offering unto him."
We've been working a lot with two long-time investigators, Zenon and
Estela Mari. They've been going to church for a year, and they're
waiting for Zenon's Bolivian documentation to arrive so that they can
be married and baptized. Zenon has been referred to as the
Investigator's Quorum President, and this week we've been working with
some of their acquaintances. One is Ruth, who is 18 and living
together with Hector, who is also eighteen, and they have one daughter
and another child on the way! Ruth wants to be baptised, and we met
Hector this week—the first thing that we taught them was about the
Atonement, then we talked about how we need to keep the commandments,
and then, to use a latin phrase that is commonly used in Spanish here
in the mission, ipso facto we taught them about chastity and invited
them to get married! Ruth came to church yesterday, and Hector, not
yet, so we'll be continuing to work with them. Ruth has a baptismal
date for the twenty-second.
We were in a lesson with Julio, a friend of a recent convert, and
Julio asked us, "So Elders, how is baptism done?" He wants to be
baptized on the 29th, he's been reading the Book of Mormon, and prays.
We met the mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law in this appointment,
and both also seem interested, so hopefully we'll get to teach them
this week too.
Thank you for writing to me! I love you all,
Elder Schlachter
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
October 3, 2011, Cordoba, Argentina
Dear Family,
This week too has been busy. On Tuesday we got the new missionaries,
so, after having been greeted by President, I put them into four taxis
and the mission van and we all left for downtown to do paperwork. The
next morning, I had them again downtown for the same reason, and then
the day after that the same. They're good missionaries -- I think they
taught about five people who were also waiting for visa papers
downtown.
I enjoyed conference! I was a bit sleepy and thus slept through parts
of some talks, and it was available only in Spanish, but I feel that
our investigators and I were edified and inspired. Some highlights for
me were Elder Holland's talk (which every young man should see), and
everything that President Monson said! I know that President Monson is
a prophet just like those we read about in the Bible and the Book of
Mormon.
I decided the revise my personal study plan this week. I was thinking
that I need to focus my study a bit more, and also make it more
comprehensive, or, focus in many different things, but well. For
example, I had been reading a lot it the Book of Mormon, and studying
some of the lessons, but didn't feel that I was studying Christ-like
attributes or teaching skills enough. Thus, I was reminded about a
favourite dancing thought from my Swing IV class. It's that a
beginning dancer is, well, beginning and thus is interested in
learning the basics as quickly as he can so that he can move onto
something more interesting. The intermediate dancer focuses avidly on
these more interesting things. The advanced dancer, however, focuses
on doing the basics, better. That's what I'm hoping to do with my
studies right now: learn the basics of missionary work better. Thus,
I'm following the prophet's advice to use Preach My Gospel 'daily' in
personal preparation, and I'll be studying it with the Book of Mormon
in a flexible but consistent way in order to invite revelation on a
variety of topics. I feel that consistency will be a key to effective
learning, so I'll be studying downtown in the Migrations department or
the post office if necessary!
Unsurprisingly, gospel study is related to gospel learning. I like
some words of Elder Holland which I'll loosely quote here:
'Now, if your mother needs heart surgery, who are you going to choose
to do it? We have two Russels here in the quorum of the twelve --
which one would you like to do the operation? Both great men; both
apostles; both experienced! Now, I'm sure that Elder Ballard could
pull out his, Swiss Army knife, but --which one do you want!? The one
that has practised! You want the one who has been in the operating
room ten thousand times! It's the same in missionary work --when
you're in a lesson, or down on your knees with an investigator, you've
got to come through!!! And that's why we ask you to study!'
(That's from a talk that he gave in my last week in the MTC. It turns
out that it's being used in various missions for training, including
ours, so I usually hear it about once a week in the office while
somebody listens to it in the background)
Today we're in a nearby town, La Calera, where we came to picnic and 'pasear.'
Hope you are well, I love you all!
Love,
Elder Schlachter
This week too has been busy. On Tuesday we got the new missionaries,
so, after having been greeted by President, I put them into four taxis
and the mission van and we all left for downtown to do paperwork. The
next morning, I had them again downtown for the same reason, and then
the day after that the same. They're good missionaries -- I think they
taught about five people who were also waiting for visa papers
downtown.
I enjoyed conference! I was a bit sleepy and thus slept through parts
of some talks, and it was available only in Spanish, but I feel that
our investigators and I were edified and inspired. Some highlights for
me were Elder Holland's talk (which every young man should see), and
everything that President Monson said! I know that President Monson is
a prophet just like those we read about in the Bible and the Book of
Mormon.
I decided the revise my personal study plan this week. I was thinking
that I need to focus my study a bit more, and also make it more
comprehensive, or, focus in many different things, but well. For
example, I had been reading a lot it the Book of Mormon, and studying
some of the lessons, but didn't feel that I was studying Christ-like
attributes or teaching skills enough. Thus, I was reminded about a
favourite dancing thought from my Swing IV class. It's that a
beginning dancer is, well, beginning and thus is interested in
learning the basics as quickly as he can so that he can move onto
something more interesting. The intermediate dancer focuses avidly on
these more interesting things. The advanced dancer, however, focuses
on doing the basics, better. That's what I'm hoping to do with my
studies right now: learn the basics of missionary work better. Thus,
I'm following the prophet's advice to use Preach My Gospel 'daily' in
personal preparation, and I'll be studying it with the Book of Mormon
in a flexible but consistent way in order to invite revelation on a
variety of topics. I feel that consistency will be a key to effective
learning, so I'll be studying downtown in the Migrations department or
the post office if necessary!
Unsurprisingly, gospel study is related to gospel learning. I like
some words of Elder Holland which I'll loosely quote here:
'Now, if your mother needs heart surgery, who are you going to choose
to do it? We have two Russels here in the quorum of the twelve --
which one would you like to do the operation? Both great men; both
apostles; both experienced! Now, I'm sure that Elder Ballard could
pull out his, Swiss Army knife, but --which one do you want!? The one
that has practised! You want the one who has been in the operating
room ten thousand times! It's the same in missionary work --when
you're in a lesson, or down on your knees with an investigator, you've
got to come through!!! And that's why we ask you to study!'
(That's from a talk that he gave in my last week in the MTC. It turns
out that it's being used in various missions for training, including
ours, so I usually hear it about once a week in the office while
somebody listens to it in the background)
Today we're in a nearby town, La Calera, where we came to picnic and 'pasear.'
Hope you are well, I love you all!
Love,
Elder Schlachter
September 26, 2011, Cordoba, Argentina
Dear Family,
How are you? I am well! We've had a busy day.
The week went quickly, I was involved in arranging trips for
missionaries coming to and leaving the mission, and had some surprises
as I was, at the last moment, told that some missionaries who were
going to extend their mission by a couple weeks, now were not!, and,
for example, today we forgot that a missionary was arriving at the
airport—we realized it almost an hour after he had arrived, and then
promptly ran to rescue him (happily he's Mexican—as Elder Melerio
said: "Por lo menos, habla, entiende"). I've been working the
transfers since Saturday morning. We were advised of the transfer
plans, then we ran to inform Zone Leaders and purchase tickets, ran to
a baptism that we were having, ran back to work, went to bed, went to
church, went to work, until three in the morning, then got up at five,
worked, worked, and now things are a bit calmer and I can finally
write!
Working somewhat in the business of missionaries leaving and arriving,
I've been thinking a bit about how much I appreciate missionaries. I
think that I'm learning to see them better, and to see something of
the sacrifices they make and the power that comes with our sacred
calling.
Transfers in the office were low-key—our companionships got switched
around (now I'm with Elder Ellsworth, and Elders Pérez and Melerio are
together), and some of the organization in the zone was shuffled.
Elder López, who was with me in Villa Dolores for two transfers, is
now an Assistant to the President, so we're now four Elders from the
Translasierras (Merlo, Villa Dolores) district in (or near) the
mission office.
I know that the calling to be a missionary comes from Jesus Christ.
Love,
Elder Schlachter
How are you? I am well! We've had a busy day.
The week went quickly, I was involved in arranging trips for
missionaries coming to and leaving the mission, and had some surprises
as I was, at the last moment, told that some missionaries who were
going to extend their mission by a couple weeks, now were not!, and,
for example, today we forgot that a missionary was arriving at the
airport—we realized it almost an hour after he had arrived, and then
promptly ran to rescue him (happily he's Mexican—as Elder Melerio
said: "Por lo menos, habla, entiende"). I've been working the
transfers since Saturday morning. We were advised of the transfer
plans, then we ran to inform Zone Leaders and purchase tickets, ran to
a baptism that we were having, ran back to work, went to bed, went to
church, went to work, until three in the morning, then got up at five,
worked, worked, and now things are a bit calmer and I can finally
write!
Working somewhat in the business of missionaries leaving and arriving,
I've been thinking a bit about how much I appreciate missionaries. I
think that I'm learning to see them better, and to see something of
the sacrifices they make and the power that comes with our sacred
calling.
Transfers in the office were low-key—our companionships got switched
around (now I'm with Elder Ellsworth, and Elders Pérez and Melerio are
together), and some of the organization in the zone was shuffled.
Elder López, who was with me in Villa Dolores for two transfers, is
now an Assistant to the President, so we're now four Elders from the
Translasierras (Merlo, Villa Dolores) district in (or near) the
mission office.
I know that the calling to be a missionary comes from Jesus Christ.
Love,
Elder Schlachter
September 19, 2011, Cordoba, Argentinap
Querida Familia,
How are you? I am well—thank you for the photos! This week has gone
very quickly, and we're expecting another quick week, as we have
transfers! Thus, we need to coordinate the movement of some hundred
missionaries perhaps, and we're advised of the transfers on Saturday
and they start taking effect on Sunday night!
We've been working with our new ward mission leader this week, Elder
Fenn. He's a church service missionary who's working on the building
of the temple here, and is here with his wife. He's full of energy and
ready to work! We visited a couple families with him this week, and
both came to church—in all we had eight investigators at church this
week.
In the office, I'm feeling a bit more comfortable in my routine, but
still everything is a bit disorganized, but it is done! In the evening
(after five) we proselyte normally. We’re four office Elders: the
secretary to the president (me), the materials secretary (Elder
Ellsworth), the financial secretary (Elder Melerio), and the housing
secretary (Elder Pérez), and we share the same apartment. I’m Elder
Pérez’s companion, though we often find ourselves on odd exchanges
according to circumstance.
I hope that you are well,
Love,
Elder Schlachter photos
How are you? I am well—thank you for the photos! This week has gone
very quickly, and we're expecting another quick week, as we have
transfers! Thus, we need to coordinate the movement of some hundred
missionaries perhaps, and we're advised of the transfers on Saturday
and they start taking effect on Sunday night!
We've been working with our new ward mission leader this week, Elder
Fenn. He's a church service missionary who's working on the building
of the temple here, and is here with his wife. He's full of energy and
ready to work! We visited a couple families with him this week, and
both came to church—in all we had eight investigators at church this
week.
In the office, I'm feeling a bit more comfortable in my routine, but
still everything is a bit disorganized, but it is done! In the evening
(after five) we proselyte normally. We’re four office Elders: the
secretary to the president (me), the materials secretary (Elder
Ellsworth), the financial secretary (Elder Melerio), and the housing
secretary (Elder Pérez), and we share the same apartment. I’m Elder
Pérez’s companion, though we often find ourselves on odd exchanges
according to circumstance.
I hope that you are well,
Love,
Elder Schlachter photos
Thursday, September 15, 2011
September 12, 2011, Cordoba, Argentina
Dear Family,
How are you? I am well—this week we had Zone Conferences with Elder
Foster of the Seventy—he spoke a bit about how to improve missionary
work, about the things that we need to do to improve our skills (e.g.
teaching effectively, planning well, studying well, etc), and what we
need to be spiritually. He noted that many members are doing well on
the spiritual side, but don't share the gospel much because of a lack
of effectiveness on the 'skills' side. Thus, as missionaries, we can
help capacitate them. I also thought a bit about faith, how it is
exercised by acting in righteousness. The manifestation of faith is
the nutrient of faith—the more we act the more we grow.
I was also involved in the administrative part of the conference.
Adventures included driving what should have been about an hour out of
town, and back, to rescue two missionaries who's bus from Merlo (a
city close to Villa Dolores) had broken down! We made the journey in
much less time, and then, after the conference, the assistants to
president needed to be downtown on a bus… in 15 minutes! Thus, we
aggressively made our way through downtown Córdoba and managed to get
to the bus right before it pulled out!
This past week I resolved most of the cell phone problems in the
mission, so this coming week I'm going to work on visas. Sometimes the
process is difficult to understand, but happily we have a recent
convert, Hno. Vilche, who has worked for the government of Córdoba for
untold years and thus understands well all processes involved, and has
a network of contacts to facilitate all work. He came by this week and
helped me to understand the process!
Hno. Vilche also brought us to the Air Force Academy in Córdoba today,
for a tour, as Elder Ellsworth was in the US Air Force, and Elder
Melerio wants to be a pilot. We got to wander about the classes and
halls, and hop into the airplanes. Hno. Vilche was in the air force in
the Falkland Islands war, and so were most of the senior officers at
the academy.
It's been a busy week. In two weeks we receive almost twenty new
missionaries, so I'm working to get everything ready for them. When we
do get out to work we are constantly blessed with miracles. For
example, on Saturday night Elders Pérez and Melerio passed by the
clinic where the former is taking physiotherapy, and brought the
doctor to church the next morning.
I love all of you a lot! I hope that you are well!
Love,
Elder Schlachter photos
How are you? I am well—this week we had Zone Conferences with Elder
Foster of the Seventy—he spoke a bit about how to improve missionary
work, about the things that we need to do to improve our skills (e.g.
teaching effectively, planning well, studying well, etc), and what we
need to be spiritually. He noted that many members are doing well on
the spiritual side, but don't share the gospel much because of a lack
of effectiveness on the 'skills' side. Thus, as missionaries, we can
help capacitate them. I also thought a bit about faith, how it is
exercised by acting in righteousness. The manifestation of faith is
the nutrient of faith—the more we act the more we grow.
I was also involved in the administrative part of the conference.
Adventures included driving what should have been about an hour out of
town, and back, to rescue two missionaries who's bus from Merlo (a
city close to Villa Dolores) had broken down! We made the journey in
much less time, and then, after the conference, the assistants to
president needed to be downtown on a bus… in 15 minutes! Thus, we
aggressively made our way through downtown Córdoba and managed to get
to the bus right before it pulled out!
This past week I resolved most of the cell phone problems in the
mission, so this coming week I'm going to work on visas. Sometimes the
process is difficult to understand, but happily we have a recent
convert, Hno. Vilche, who has worked for the government of Córdoba for
untold years and thus understands well all processes involved, and has
a network of contacts to facilitate all work. He came by this week and
helped me to understand the process!
Hno. Vilche also brought us to the Air Force Academy in Córdoba today,
for a tour, as Elder Ellsworth was in the US Air Force, and Elder
Melerio wants to be a pilot. We got to wander about the classes and
halls, and hop into the airplanes. Hno. Vilche was in the air force in
the Falkland Islands war, and so were most of the senior officers at
the academy.
It's been a busy week. In two weeks we receive almost twenty new
missionaries, so I'm working to get everything ready for them. When we
do get out to work we are constantly blessed with miracles. For
example, on Saturday night Elders Pérez and Melerio passed by the
clinic where the former is taking physiotherapy, and brought the
doctor to church the next morning.
I love all of you a lot! I hope that you are well!
Love,
Elder Schlachter photos
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
September 5, 2011, Cordoba, Argentina
Dear Family,
How are you? I am well—I've been in the mission office for three weeks
so far, and I'm somewhat starting to organize myself! We almost have
things organized for visas, our cell phone problems are disappearing,
etc, etc. Thus, I'm starting to get ready for transfers—this week I'll
be arranging hotel bookings for the missionaries arriving and going
home, and preparing letters to parents, etc. The goal is to get as
ready as possible for transfer day, which can be very chaotic if we're
not well-prepared, and to do as much as possible for coming transfers
(e.g. calculate the number of phones that we'll need with areas
opening and closing, printing out letters and envelopes, etc). There
are many etceteras written, partly because I don't really know too
well all that I have to do!
Today we went downtown with half a dozen missionaries in order to
renew their visas. Every time that we do it, we're faster and it seems
to cost less.
This week Elder Foster of the Seventy is visiting the mission, so
we'll be busy with organizing the conferences somewhat. Elder
Hebertson has been training me as secretary, but he'll probably be
leaving for an area this week—we don't know where, and we're not sure
that President Salas does either!
I know that this gospel is true, that the scriptures were written by
prophets of God receiving actual revelation, and that Jesus Christ is
really central to everything—the 'God of the whole earth' as He
declares Himself, though the impact of His Atonement is at once
universal and very personal.
Hope all is well—please do send me photos for my photo book!
Love,
Elder Schlachter
How are you? I am well—I've been in the mission office for three weeks
so far, and I'm somewhat starting to organize myself! We almost have
things organized for visas, our cell phone problems are disappearing,
etc, etc. Thus, I'm starting to get ready for transfers—this week I'll
be arranging hotel bookings for the missionaries arriving and going
home, and preparing letters to parents, etc. The goal is to get as
ready as possible for transfer day, which can be very chaotic if we're
not well-prepared, and to do as much as possible for coming transfers
(e.g. calculate the number of phones that we'll need with areas
opening and closing, printing out letters and envelopes, etc). There
are many etceteras written, partly because I don't really know too
well all that I have to do!
Today we went downtown with half a dozen missionaries in order to
renew their visas. Every time that we do it, we're faster and it seems
to cost less.
This week Elder Foster of the Seventy is visiting the mission, so
we'll be busy with organizing the conferences somewhat. Elder
Hebertson has been training me as secretary, but he'll probably be
leaving for an area this week—we don't know where, and we're not sure
that President Salas does either!
I know that this gospel is true, that the scriptures were written by
prophets of God receiving actual revelation, and that Jesus Christ is
really central to everything—the 'God of the whole earth' as He
declares Himself, though the impact of His Atonement is at once
universal and very personal.
Hope all is well—please do send me photos for my photo book!
Love,
Elder Schlachter
August 29, 2011, Cordoba, Argentina
This week has been busy! I've been updating all of our visa information, sending out many many letters, etc, etc! It's hard to think of what's happened this week!
We had nine people in church this week, and almost all of them were found this week. We're hoping for similar attendance this week. I wrangled with cell phone issues all week (throughout the mission), and I got my Argentine driver's license. The only requirement was my Canadian passport, $75 pesos, and a quick vision test (I got a perfect score). I have driven the (manual) mission van once so far.
Today we took a group of missionaries downtown to renew their visas. Unfortunately, we ran out of money as we were there, so we had to jump in a taxi, and rush through the city for almost an hour to be resolve the situation. It was an adventure!
I wanted to ask also if you could put together some photos and send them to me—I usually show people the family photo that we took before I left (I put it on the back inner cover of my scriptures), but often (members especially) people want to see more photos, and little plastic photo albums are very common here. Thus, I wanted to ask if you could compile some photos (from my photo library, from old family albums (scanned), etc) of our family. I made a little list of some suggestions:
- Something from Mexico (e.g. the family photo with all of us in front of a pyramid)
- Photo of me swing dancing (my favourite is in my iPhoto library under the folder 'Tulip Festival'), and in a play, and maybe doing my research project on beetles (or some other interesting activity)
- Photos of my brothers (e.g. one of each doing something interesting that doesn't really exist in Argentina, e.g. snowboarding, playing the Super Nintendo, sleeping on the hammock, fighting with swords, etc--maybe they could make some good photos as an activity for this week!)
- A few of the extended family (especially in interesting locations, or cute, small cousins, or grandparents)
The goal is that it would be something interesting with which I can talk about our family! I'd print it out here in a photo developing place, and put it into a little album. In technical matters, I'd scan photos at about two or three hundred DPI as eighty percent-ish quality JPGs (or something like that), and send digital photos in full size. My MyLDSMail email account now has 25 GB of storage, so don't be concerned about sending them large!
I love you all a lot, and I know that Jesus Christ established this church!
Love,
Elder Schlachter
P.S. I think that emails get to me almost instantly upon sending, so if someone didn't write on Sunday night, ¡que me mande la carta lunes por la mañana!
P.S.S. I sent some photos through Picasa too.
August 22, 2011, Cordoba, Argentina
Dear Family,
This has been a busy week! After spending all day handing out
reimbursements on Monday, I continued throughout the week handling
everything related to the arrival of new missionaries this transfer,
and on Wednesday I took them downtown so that they could get some visa
paperwork sorted out! We got a bit lost, and it was a bit of an
adventure for them as Elder Hebertson (the former secretary--he's
staying for a few weeks to train me) and I shuttled the new
missionaries into taxis (all by themselves) to get to our
destinations!
I spent the rest of the week working of resolving telephone problems
in the mission, and trying to work out our visa situation. These will
be my main tasks this week, and then we'll start preparing for the
departure of missionaries who are finishing this transfer, and the
arrival of our new missionaries!
Thus, the office has me well-occupied! We leave the office each day
before five, and work all day on Saturday and Sunday. However, the
chaos of transfers has left our area somewhat descuidado over the last
couple weeks, so now we need to work hard to find new investigators
and help them to progress!
I do get ground mail much faster now--it's brought to the office
directly and then further distributed, and I'm also in the office with
Elder Melerio (my trainer), who is the financial secretary
(financiero), and Elder Ellsworth (who was in my district in my first
three transfers), who is the materials secretary (bolsero). My
companion is the housing secretary (pensionero), Elder Perez, who
arrived with me in the mission (but went to the Buenos Aires MTC). We
live in an apartment a few blocks away from the mission home. I try
hard to keep it tidy!
Right now we're playing soccer with other missionaries at the mission
home, and waiting for an asado (BBQ) to cook!
Hope you have a good week! Love you!
Elder Schlachter
This has been a busy week! After spending all day handing out
reimbursements on Monday, I continued throughout the week handling
everything related to the arrival of new missionaries this transfer,
and on Wednesday I took them downtown so that they could get some visa
paperwork sorted out! We got a bit lost, and it was a bit of an
adventure for them as Elder Hebertson (the former secretary--he's
staying for a few weeks to train me) and I shuttled the new
missionaries into taxis (all by themselves) to get to our
destinations!
I spent the rest of the week working of resolving telephone problems
in the mission, and trying to work out our visa situation. These will
be my main tasks this week, and then we'll start preparing for the
departure of missionaries who are finishing this transfer, and the
arrival of our new missionaries!
Thus, the office has me well-occupied! We leave the office each day
before five, and work all day on Saturday and Sunday. However, the
chaos of transfers has left our area somewhat descuidado over the last
couple weeks, so now we need to work hard to find new investigators
and help them to progress!
I do get ground mail much faster now--it's brought to the office
directly and then further distributed, and I'm also in the office with
Elder Melerio (my trainer), who is the financial secretary
(financiero), and Elder Ellsworth (who was in my district in my first
three transfers), who is the materials secretary (bolsero). My
companion is the housing secretary (pensionero), Elder Perez, who
arrived with me in the mission (but went to the Buenos Aires MTC). We
live in an apartment a few blocks away from the mission home. I try
hard to keep it tidy!
Right now we're playing soccer with other missionaries at the mission
home, and waiting for an asado (BBQ) to cook!
Hope you have a good week! Love you!
Elder Schlachter
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
August 15, 2011, Cordoba, Argentina
Dear family,
This week I received a transfer to... the mission office! I'm the new
secretary to the president, so, even though I'm not entirely sure what
I do, I do know that I'll be busy!
Thus, last night I left La Rioja, and upon arriving in Cordoba I was
immediately put to work giving out travel reimbursements! The week in
the Quebrada went well, and we continued having many lessons, etc.
Elder Henry will be staying with a new companion, who doesn't speak
English! Así que, tendrá que aprender más Catellano sí or sí.
I'm in a bit of busy chaos, as I arrive in the office in transfer
time, which is the busiest time of the transfer! Thus, I'll try to
learn well what to do!
Love you all,
Elder Schlachter photos
This week I received a transfer to... the mission office! I'm the new
secretary to the president, so, even though I'm not entirely sure what
I do, I do know that I'll be busy!
Thus, last night I left La Rioja, and upon arriving in Cordoba I was
immediately put to work giving out travel reimbursements! The week in
the Quebrada went well, and we continued having many lessons, etc.
Elder Henry will be staying with a new companion, who doesn't speak
English! Así que, tendrá que aprender más Catellano sí or sí.
I'm in a bit of busy chaos, as I arrive in the office in transfer
time, which is the busiest time of the transfer! Thus, I'll try to
learn well what to do!
Love you all,
Elder Schlachter photos
Saturday, August 13, 2011
August 8, 2011, La Quebrada, Argentina
Querida Familia,
How are you? I am well—this has been a bit of a busy week! We taught a
total of thirty-seven lessons, and talked to more people than we ever
have before in this area.
I was pleased to see two of our investigators at church. Though more
had committed, the ones that are actually reading the Book of Mormon
were the ones who kept their commitment. Hno. Alvarez and his son
Kevin came to church—the Hermano had read up to about 2 Nephi 9 after
having the Book of Mormon for two days, and is coming to know more and
more that it's true. His comment at church last week was “I lose
three-hundred and fifty pesos for keeping the Sabbath Day holy [coming
to church instead of working], but Jesus Christ kept on prompting me
to come.” This past Sunday, he volunteered the use of his barbeque for
an activity in two months, so I was pleased to see that he considers
that he's come to stay. The branch is working hard to fellowship him,
and our sacrament meeting attendance this week was a bit higher than
average (forty).
Thus, all is well in the Quebrada!—or, in other words, we have even
more work for this coming week!
I enjoyed the photos that you sent me—I’ll try to label more of mine.
They’re mostly from inside the apartment because we're not to be using
cameras while proselyting; hence, there’s an unnatural proportion of
lunches in the photos.
I like being a missionary! I know that it’s a decision with eternal
blessings, and, as Elder Holland says, ‘Every good thing that has ever
happened to me has been a result, in one way or another, of my
mission.’ I think that this will be true for me too. I know that the
gospel of Jesus Christ is really the only way to have lasting peace
and happiness of an eternal nature.
One strange thing this week is that many of our investigators or
contacts have been referring to me as a “tú” instead of a “vos” or
“usted”—the tú is not much used here, but I think that they think that
the usted would be too formal, and the vos too informal, entonces, tú
it is then!
Hope you have a good week, love you all a lot!
Love,
Elder Schlachter
How are you? I am well—this has been a bit of a busy week! We taught a
total of thirty-seven lessons, and talked to more people than we ever
have before in this area.
I was pleased to see two of our investigators at church. Though more
had committed, the ones that are actually reading the Book of Mormon
were the ones who kept their commitment. Hno. Alvarez and his son
Kevin came to church—the Hermano had read up to about 2 Nephi 9 after
having the Book of Mormon for two days, and is coming to know more and
more that it's true. His comment at church last week was “I lose
three-hundred and fifty pesos for keeping the Sabbath Day holy [coming
to church instead of working], but Jesus Christ kept on prompting me
to come.” This past Sunday, he volunteered the use of his barbeque for
an activity in two months, so I was pleased to see that he considers
that he's come to stay. The branch is working hard to fellowship him,
and our sacrament meeting attendance this week was a bit higher than
average (forty).
Thus, all is well in the Quebrada!—or, in other words, we have even
more work for this coming week!
I enjoyed the photos that you sent me—I’ll try to label more of mine.
They’re mostly from inside the apartment because we're not to be using
cameras while proselyting; hence, there’s an unnatural proportion of
lunches in the photos.
I like being a missionary! I know that it’s a decision with eternal
blessings, and, as Elder Holland says, ‘Every good thing that has ever
happened to me has been a result, in one way or another, of my
mission.’ I think that this will be true for me too. I know that the
gospel of Jesus Christ is really the only way to have lasting peace
and happiness of an eternal nature.
One strange thing this week is that many of our investigators or
contacts have been referring to me as a “tú” instead of a “vos” or
“usted”—the tú is not much used here, but I think that they think that
the usted would be too formal, and the vos too informal, entonces, tú
it is then!
Hope you have a good week, love you all a lot!
Love,
Elder Schlachter
Monday, August 1, 2011
August 1, 2011, La Quebrada, Argentina
Dear Family,
How are you? I am well—I'm feel like we're still in winter here! Yesterday, it rained (sprinkled) for almost the whole day (it's the second time that I've seen rain in this city!), and today there was snow on the distant mountains! We woke up a bit cold, and braved the frigid winter winds (about 10º C) this morning. Thus we're wearing our coats around!
One exciting experience happened this week when we finally knocked on a door that we had been feeling that we needed to visit for a few weeks, and someone actually answered! He proceeded to give us a 30-minute, condemnatory speech about how we were illusioned sinners teaching lies! I was a bit glad that Elder Henry couldn't understand him very well, because I've learned that one cannot argue with someone who's quite so set on defamity, so we weathered out the discourse, adding occasional testimony and simple, summarized teaching when possible. Loosely quoting a movie we saw recently about Brigham Young, I don't really know how he felt, or what he thought, but I do know that I know that God Himself descended from Heaven to call Joseph Smith to be a prophet, that the Book of Mormon was translated through the power of God and contains the words of Christ, and that Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the world, and He is the only name or means given through which we can be saved. I do know that the authority of Jesus Christ to effect the ordinances of His gospel is in this church, because He organized it! It is through the ordinances of the gospel that the power of godliness is manifest, as Doctrine and Covenants teaches, and I know that this church is guided by prophets of God receiving real revelation. The proof is simply found in learning the doctrine, and living it, and asking God for confirmation. It is by the power of the Holy Ghost that I know these things, and they can only be learnt spiritually, and with prayer and faith and real intent.
Thus, really, our goal as missionaries is to teach people how to receive revelation, or, communication from Heaven. We teach them how to live that they may be capable of feeling the 'still small voice' of the Spirit, and then we help them to recognize it, and act upon it. A life founded upon the principle of receiving and acting on real guidance from God is a happy one, in conformity with the commandments, and of the greatest benefit to all others.
We were doing service this week when we found a young couple shoveling sand to make a foundation for their house. Thus, we threw off our jackets and rolled up our sleeves and did the work for about an hour. The man's brother was there and offered me his rifle to take shots at the pigeons on top of the neighbouring house, but I declined! However, I was grateful for the opportunity to be useful, and, as a member was accompanying us, she explained to them what missionaries are while we did the work!
We had a super branch council yesterday. I was impressed by how young the leadership of our branch is. For example, our two branch president's counsellors are 18 and 22, respectively, and our primary and young womens' presidents have been members for less that six months! However, they are all doing their work very well, with enthusiasm, and I know that the branch will be able to grow quickly with its leadership in place (all have been recently called).
Thank you for sending me the Ensign on prayer, and for writing to me!
Love you all,
Elder Schlachter
July 25, 2011, La Quebrada, Argentina
Dear Family,
How are you? I am well. This week we had more lessons than usual, but, sadly, investigators didn't came to church this week. Thus, we're working extra-hard to help them to do so!
This week I've been studying the centrality of the Saviour in God's plan, and how it is only through him that salvation can come to us. As Jacob says, "If there should be no atonement made all mankind must be lost." I think that it's important for us to teach the centrality of the atoning sacrifice of the Saviour, as many people that we meet or teach are confused about His role and importance. I think that Peter and John taught this doctrine clearly enough (Acts 4:11-12), the Book of Mormon is replete with it (Mosiah 3:17, Alma 21:9, 22:14 and 38:9, 2 Nephi 25:20, etc), Moses himself made it clear (Exodus 20:1-5), as did other old testament prophets (Hosea 13:4, Isaiah 43:10-11, 44:13-20), and whatever the prophets might have left unclear, Christ clarified (Matthew 4:10). I know that it is only through Christ that we can come to God and be saved, that 'all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God' (Rom 3:23), and that without the Atonement, we would "return to God, and behold his face, and remain in [our] sins," (2 Nephi 9:38), and that "He hath said that no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore, how can [we] be saved except [we] inherit the kingdom of heaven? Therefore, [we] cannot be saved in our sins," (Alma 11:37). It is only through the Atonement, the infinite sacrifice of God's Holy Son, that "mercy can satisfy the demands of justice, and encircle [us] in the arms of safety. ... Therefore, only unto him that has faith unto repentance is brought about the great and eternal plan of redemption," (Alma 34:16). I am grateful for the Book of Mormon, and for modern revelation and living prophets, that teach us to worship God in God's way, to become disciples of Jesus Christ, and come unto Him and be saved—to have peace in this life, and eternal life in the world to come.
Hope you are well, love you all,
Elder Schlachter photos
P.S. I've been unable to send the fax to the SAAQ to cancel my driver's license so far—I'll continue trying this week, and if I don't succeed, I'll send a photo of the scan home so that it can be send from there!
P.S.S. Thank you Mom for the articles from the Liahona. It would be better if you copied the text and sent them to me, because I'm not to use the internet except to see email! Thank you for the article about pronouncing the "rr"—I'll be running through the exercices this week in my language studies! Right now, I'm also rereading my grammar book; I'll have to revise my plan once I finish it again (this week!).
July 18, 2011, La Quebrada, Argentina
Dear Family,
How are you? I have finally sent pictures this week! The week has gone
quickly. I've started making a little list of things to tell you
(helps me to write quicker!).
I was impressed on Sunday that our Elder's quorum is working very
well. First, our quorum president apologized for not being at church
for two weeks, and outlined what had prevented him from being there,
and his plan to prevent such circumstances from occurring again. This
was followed by, "These brethren [a list is read] haven't been at
church for a few weeks. We need to visit them and rescue them, and see
how we can help them. Brothers such-and-such, will you visit Brother
such-and-such before this Wednesday, and invite him to the family home
evening on Thursday?" Also, our branch has branch family home evenings
two or three times each week in the houses of members, and they are
being enthusiastically attended. We're also planning a super-activity
for Argentina's mother's day in October, three months in advance, with
details, deadlines, and specific assignments! Even though our branch
is small (about 30-40 attend each week), it seems to be functioning
well. New members are getting callings soon after baptism, and last
week a recent convert received the Aaronic Priesthood, and thus
blessed the sacrament on Sunday!
I also wanted to ask for a couple things this week. First, we talked
to our Stake President, and he wants us to teach members and everybody
about prayer. Thus, I'm looking for the January 1976 Ensign, a
'special issue on prayer.' Elder Nelson referenced it in a talk a few
conferences ago, so I would like a copy in Spanish and English, if you
could find a convenient way for to email it to me. Also, I'm focusing
my language study on pronunciation, and thus, could you please send me
an email with various thoughts on Spanish pronunciation? I'm
especially looking for all manner of articles that teach how to
pronounce a trilled 'r' ("rr"). I'm thinking of technical descriptions
of exactly what it is, diagrams, descriptions targeted to English or
French speakers about how to pronounce it, etc, etc, etc! Thank you!
Anyhow, mi tiempo se acabó [my time is over] I hope that you enjoy the photos, do write to me!
I love you all a lot,
Elder Schlachter
How are you? I have finally sent pictures this week! The week has gone
quickly. I've started making a little list of things to tell you
(helps me to write quicker!).
I was impressed on Sunday that our Elder's quorum is working very
well. First, our quorum president apologized for not being at church
for two weeks, and outlined what had prevented him from being there,
and his plan to prevent such circumstances from occurring again. This
was followed by, "These brethren [a list is read] haven't been at
church for a few weeks. We need to visit them and rescue them, and see
how we can help them. Brothers such-and-such, will you visit Brother
such-and-such before this Wednesday, and invite him to the family home
evening on Thursday?" Also, our branch has branch family home evenings
two or three times each week in the houses of members, and they are
being enthusiastically attended. We're also planning a super-activity
for Argentina's mother's day in October, three months in advance, with
details, deadlines, and specific assignments! Even though our branch
is small (about 30-40 attend each week), it seems to be functioning
well. New members are getting callings soon after baptism, and last
week a recent convert received the Aaronic Priesthood, and thus
blessed the sacrament on Sunday!
I also wanted to ask for a couple things this week. First, we talked
to our Stake President, and he wants us to teach members and everybody
about prayer. Thus, I'm looking for the January 1976 Ensign, a
'special issue on prayer.' Elder Nelson referenced it in a talk a few
conferences ago, so I would like a copy in Spanish and English, if you
could find a convenient way for to email it to me. Also, I'm focusing
my language study on pronunciation, and thus, could you please send me
an email with various thoughts on Spanish pronunciation? I'm
especially looking for all manner of articles that teach how to
pronounce a trilled 'r' ("rr"). I'm thinking of technical descriptions
of exactly what it is, diagrams, descriptions targeted to English or
French speakers about how to pronounce it, etc, etc, etc! Thank you!
Anyhow, mi tiempo se acabó [my time is over] I hope that you enjoy the photos, do write to me!
I love you all a lot,
Elder Schlachter
Monday, July 11, 2011
July 11, 2011, La Quebrada, Argentina
Dear Family,
How are you? I am well—I received my new companion this week, Elder
Henry from Calgary!
I left La Quebrada on Tuesday, after working for two days with Elder
Ferro, and on Wednesday, after a training meeting, companions were
assigned. We were hoping to come back on Wednesday night, but, there
wasn't a bus, then we wanted to come back on Thursday afternoon,
but... we missed the bus, and then, we finally set out on the six-hour
trip on Thursday night at midnight! Thus we've been away from home a
bit, but we were able to help the Elders in Cordoba, and I got to help
out the Elders in the mission office while Elder Henry went out to get
his visa arranged—I spent the day updating lists, and checking orders,
etc!
We're working hard to find people that we can teach, and to help
those that we are teaching to keep progressing and learning and
feeling the Spirit! One thing that President Salas taught us about
while we were in Cordoba this week was the idea of 'the pipeline.' If
we have a pipe of water with air pockets, it will come out in spurts.
Likewise, if we entirely focus on a couple investigators until they
get baptised, neglecting finding other people, or teaching them, we
end up with an air pocket, as it were, as soon as they join the
church! Thus, we're trying to be able to have investigators in all
stages of progression in order to be constantly busy—what we do right
now, today, will affect the state of the work here in a few months!
Other points this week include setting goals that will actually be
reached, and considering what exactly is required to achieve the
goals! In training material that we received this week, we are told
that our missionary purpose is to increase the number of people who
are exercising faith, repenting, being baptized and receiving the gift
of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end, by following the guidance
of the Holy Spirit. Thus, goal-setting becomes an important way to
achieve the goal of doing more of what we do.
I was excited to hear about the baptism in Ottawa, and that young
women's camp went well, and about the Pageant. For the driver's
license, I think that it will be best to cancel it. Thus, I'll fax a
letter to the SAAQ to that effect.
I hope that you have a good week!
Love,
Elder Schlachter
P.S. Also, Elder Henry is from the same stake as the Lawlor family and
he knows them!
How are you? I am well—I received my new companion this week, Elder
Henry from Calgary!
I left La Quebrada on Tuesday, after working for two days with Elder
Ferro, and on Wednesday, after a training meeting, companions were
assigned. We were hoping to come back on Wednesday night, but, there
wasn't a bus, then we wanted to come back on Thursday afternoon,
but... we missed the bus, and then, we finally set out on the six-hour
trip on Thursday night at midnight! Thus we've been away from home a
bit, but we were able to help the Elders in Cordoba, and I got to help
out the Elders in the mission office while Elder Henry went out to get
his visa arranged—I spent the day updating lists, and checking orders,
etc!
We're working hard to find people that we can teach, and to help
those that we are teaching to keep progressing and learning and
feeling the Spirit! One thing that President Salas taught us about
while we were in Cordoba this week was the idea of 'the pipeline.' If
we have a pipe of water with air pockets, it will come out in spurts.
Likewise, if we entirely focus on a couple investigators until they
get baptised, neglecting finding other people, or teaching them, we
end up with an air pocket, as it were, as soon as they join the
church! Thus, we're trying to be able to have investigators in all
stages of progression in order to be constantly busy—what we do right
now, today, will affect the state of the work here in a few months!
Other points this week include setting goals that will actually be
reached, and considering what exactly is required to achieve the
goals! In training material that we received this week, we are told
that our missionary purpose is to increase the number of people who
are exercising faith, repenting, being baptized and receiving the gift
of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end, by following the guidance
of the Holy Spirit. Thus, goal-setting becomes an important way to
achieve the goal of doing more of what we do.
I was excited to hear about the baptism in Ottawa, and that young
women's camp went well, and about the Pageant. For the driver's
license, I think that it will be best to cancel it. Thus, I'll fax a
letter to the SAAQ to that effect.
I hope that you have a good week!
Love,
Elder Schlachter
P.S. Also, Elder Henry is from the same stake as the Lawlor family and
he knows them!
July 4, 2011, La Quebrada, Argentina
Querida Familia,
¿Cómo andan? I am well--we've had a somewhat busy week in the
Quebrada, and every day it's a little bit colder! We're waiting for
snow, but, as my temporary companion Elder Ferro (from Calgary and
Uruguay) says, "I haven't seen it yet".
This week was transfer week, so Elder Strong is off to Córdoba
Capital, and I'm staying in the Quebrada, and... training a new
missionary! Thus I'm with Elder Ferro for a couple days in the
Quebrada until we both go to Córdoba to meet and pick up our new
companions. We're both a bit excited, and a bit nervous, but I know
that the our new Elder will be a blessing to the people here.
The motto of our Zone (the city of La Rioja) this month is something
like, "Pongamos todo en el asador," or "Let's put everything in the
(Argentine) barbeque"—the saying meaning that we'll give a 100%
effort. I considered a bit this week about how faith works, and here's
what I wrote (in Spanish):
Esta semana estaba pensando un poco de la fe--creo que es una
certeza que viene por haber hecho todo lo posible, por ser obediente,
por trabajar con diligencia, etc. Pensé en mis convenios con Dios,
y que según mi fe, o sea, mi cumplimiento de las condiciones que
Dios ha puesto, Él me bendecirá seguramente. Estoy viendo la fe
un poco así esta semana, y tratando de ser digno de recibir las
bendiciones prometidas. Veo así que convenios me ayudan a saber
que necesito hacer, y por tener los requisitos de Dios así, y un
compromiso con Él, me da la oportunidad de cumplir.
[This week I was thinking a bit about faith — I believe it is a truth that comes by having done everything possible, by being obedient, by working diligently etc. I thought about my convenants with God, and how according to my faith, that is, my complying with the conditions that God has set, He will surely bless me. I am seeing faith a bit this week, and trying to be worthy of receiving the promised blessings. I also see that covenants help me to know what I need to do, and by having God's requirement thus laid out, and a promise with Him, this gives me the opportunity to meet them.]
We also had an excellent lesson with the neighbour of a family of
recent converts, Valeria. We showed up at the member's house to find
another family visiting them, so they were there helping in the
lesson, and then the family of the Branch President arrived, etc.
Thus, we had many people who were able to testify of the truthfulness
of the work and help Valeria to feel comfortable. The same family is
also helping another woman, Victoria, to learn the Gospel, and she's
progressing very well. We've read 3 Nephi 27 a few times with her, and
though she hasn't been very much invited by us to follow the Saviour's
example and be baptised, she was introduced to the church by attending
her friend's baptism—thus, it's something that she's thinking about
and something that I know will bless her and her family. I know that
the authority required to perform a baptism and actually receive a
remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Ghost is only present in
this church.
Happy Canada Day! I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed it, and I hope
that Mom is having a good time! I love you all and I look forward to
hearing from you in the coming week!
Elder Schlachter
¿Cómo andan? I am well--we've had a somewhat busy week in the
Quebrada, and every day it's a little bit colder! We're waiting for
snow, but, as my temporary companion Elder Ferro (from Calgary and
Uruguay) says, "I haven't seen it yet".
This week was transfer week, so Elder Strong is off to Córdoba
Capital, and I'm staying in the Quebrada, and... training a new
missionary! Thus I'm with Elder Ferro for a couple days in the
Quebrada until we both go to Córdoba to meet and pick up our new
companions. We're both a bit excited, and a bit nervous, but I know
that the our new Elder will be a blessing to the people here.
The motto of our Zone (the city of La Rioja) this month is something
like, "Pongamos todo en el asador," or "Let's put everything in the
(Argentine) barbeque"—the saying meaning that we'll give a 100%
effort. I considered a bit this week about how faith works, and here's
what I wrote (in Spanish):
Esta semana estaba pensando un poco de la fe--creo que es una
certeza que viene por haber hecho todo lo posible, por ser obediente,
por trabajar con diligencia, etc. Pensé en mis convenios con Dios,
y que según mi fe, o sea, mi cumplimiento de las condiciones que
Dios ha puesto, Él me bendecirá seguramente. Estoy viendo la fe
un poco así esta semana, y tratando de ser digno de recibir las
bendiciones prometidas. Veo así que convenios me ayudan a saber
que necesito hacer, y por tener los requisitos de Dios así, y un
compromiso con Él, me da la oportunidad de cumplir.
[This week I was thinking a bit about faith — I believe it is a truth that comes by having done everything possible, by being obedient, by working diligently etc. I thought about my convenants with God, and how according to my faith, that is, my complying with the conditions that God has set, He will surely bless me. I am seeing faith a bit this week, and trying to be worthy of receiving the promised blessings. I also see that covenants help me to know what I need to do, and by having God's requirement thus laid out, and a promise with Him, this gives me the opportunity to meet them.]
We also had an excellent lesson with the neighbour of a family of
recent converts, Valeria. We showed up at the member's house to find
another family visiting them, so they were there helping in the
lesson, and then the family of the Branch President arrived, etc.
Thus, we had many people who were able to testify of the truthfulness
of the work and help Valeria to feel comfortable. The same family is
also helping another woman, Victoria, to learn the Gospel, and she's
progressing very well. We've read 3 Nephi 27 a few times with her, and
though she hasn't been very much invited by us to follow the Saviour's
example and be baptised, she was introduced to the church by attending
her friend's baptism—thus, it's something that she's thinking about
and something that I know will bless her and her family. I know that
the authority required to perform a baptism and actually receive a
remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Ghost is only present in
this church.
Happy Canada Day! I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed it, and I hope
that Mom is having a good time! I love you all and I look forward to
hearing from you in the coming week!
Elder Schlachter
Sunday, July 3, 2011
June 27, 2011, La Rioja, Argentina
Dear Family,
How are you? I am well—I feel a bit more energized and rested this week (thank you for the prayers!). I also started making a list of things to tell you this week, to enlarge my memory!
Guillermo was baptized! He finished reading the Book of Mormon this week, and he brought friends to his baptism. He even came alone to church the week before, which he didn't usually do. He's doing very well. His baptism was also super-well organized—we had the interview finished a week and a half before the baptism, and then we coordinated with the Ward mission leader (Marcos) such that we really only had to show up at the baptism.
We finally found another investigator this week, Daniel. He had been living in the house of our Ward mission leader for a few months, went to another province (disappeared) for a few weeks, and now he's back. After inviting him to Guillermo's baptism, we invited him to be baptized with the phrase, "So, Daniel, when are we going to have your baptism?" He seems to be all right, but needs to get married to his live-in girl friend, and we'll be visiting him this week to help him out. He's presently living with his sister, who is also a member of the church, so we believe that he's in good hands.
Also, winter started this week! The day was marked by a cold, misty, showering rain, which is apparently rather common here but we've only experienced it on one day so far. Apparently, it snows rather often in La Rioja, thus, in about a month we can be expecting a few centimetres to stay on the ground for a few days.
We had a mysterious thing happen this week: we got back to the apartment to find a bag on the doorstep. Further examination revealed the bag to be filled with... copies of the Book of Mormon, assorted invitations to church activities in 2004, a few other church books, and a church agenda from 2003. We found that the materials belonged to the Ward Mission leader of the time, and so... now we need to pass by his house and see what happened! We're hoping that he moved away and the family is giving us his extra things, but we don't know!
Also, a good line from this week: "My job is not to push you into the chapel—I'm a regular young man just like you!" We're trying to be a bit more bold and efficient in explaining our purpose as missionaries! In a talk that Elder Holland gave while I was at the MTC, he told us (roughly): 'My wife has an Avon lady who's more persistent than you are!, and she's only selling mascara!' Thus, we're trying to be more effective in teaching right away when we meet someone, and in helping them make effective commitments.
Thank you for your letters! I'm glad to hear that all are doing well, and look forward to hearing from you in the coming week!
Love,
Elder Schlachter
P.S. I've attached a few photos —technical challenges with the computers here are making it hard to send them the usual way!
P.S.S. Also, Kammy did send me her address last week, so her letter has been sent.
June 20, 2011, La Rioja, Argentina
Dear Family,
This week has gone very quickly! An investigator, Guillermo, is being
baptised this Saturday. We're working on finding more people! We've
been working more with the members.
We had our first sacrament meeting and branch council with a new
branch president. We also had a branch activity today--we ate 'locro',
a stew.
Happy Father's Day Dad! (It was also Father's Day here)
Somehow I feel a bit sleepy and it's hard to write!
Hope all are well,
Love,
Elder Schlachter
This week has gone very quickly! An investigator, Guillermo, is being
baptised this Saturday. We're working on finding more people! We've
been working more with the members.
We had our first sacrament meeting and branch council with a new
branch president. We also had a branch activity today--we ate 'locro',
a stew.
Happy Father's Day Dad! (It was also Father's Day here)
Somehow I feel a bit sleepy and it's hard to write!
Hope all are well,
Love,
Elder Schlachter
June 13, 2011, La Rioja, Argentina
Dear Family,
Cartas--gracias,
Me siento muy cansado--
¡Trabajaremos!
[Letter--thanks
I feel very tired
let's work]
We've had a somewhat busy week—with a conference of the missionaries
of La Rioja and Catamarca and a Stake Conference for all of Argentina,
broadcast from Salt Lake.
Las reuniones
Comieron la semana,
pero aprendí.
[the meetings
ate the week
but I learned]
I think that I'm better learning in a practical sense how important it
was that the Gospel was restored. I know that the Book of Mormon is
true, and that it evidences that, to quote the Doctrine and Covenants,
'There is a God in Heaven and He does call and inspire men to His holy
work.'
One investigator in Villa Dolores told us how it is hard for him
to believe in God, given his understanding and experience of this and
that, etc. but the conclusion was that we also knew and acknowledged
all the things that to him were doubts and stumblingblocks, but the
difference of personal experience through prayer, and the authorized
ordinances of the the gospel in their correct form, through which the
power of Godliness is manifest, changes the perspective and allows us
to see things with our spiritual eyes a bit more open. I know that it is
only through this church that we can really follow God in His own
path, simply because God established it and guides it today in a real
and direct sense.
Other thoughts from this week included considering what exactly
obedience is—the summary is that it is obedience to the written words
of Christ, guided and made alive by divine guidance through the Holy
Spirit. Consider Nephi's words that the words of Christ will tell us
all things that we should do, and the Holy Ghost will show us all
things that we should do. I know that the Spirit does provide guidance
in all things, according to our faith and desire to listen and to
obey. Obedience to the commandments includes obedience to personal
commandments—specific application as prompted by the Holy Ghost. The
gospel aims to bless us with the gift of the Holy Ghost in this life
so that we may be able to return to live with God. Specific guidance
is required, and also specific personal witness of eternal truths.
Otherwise, this week I did receive the Easter candies and six
envelopes of pen refills! They do fit—thank you very much for sending
me them! It took a while for me to get them because all of my mail
arrives in Cordoba, and then it takes a while to travel the eight
hours or so to La Rioja—usually it comes after a missionary has had to
travel to Cordoba for meetings, etc. which happens about once a month.
I was happy to receive the birthday letter!
Considering differences between Villa Dolores and La Rioja, people do
talk differently here—it's a bit more common to pronounce "rr" more as
"sh," but other than that it's difficult for me to perceive specific
differences. Panaderías are also much less common; I think we had one
every couple blocks in Villa Dolores, but here we have only one
nearby, and they sell two kinds of bread as opposed to about six in my
favourite Villa Dolorensean panadería. Likewise, alfahores are less
common. There are more dirt roads and half-constructed houses, and
also, everybody has a laptop! Every plaza has free Wifi, and is
generally occupied by children playing games on their laptops. There
are also more families in their houses than there seemed to be in
Villa Dolores.
Hope you are well,
Love,
Elder Schlachter
Cartas--gracias,
Me siento muy cansado--
¡Trabajaremos!
[Letter--thanks
I feel very tired
let's work]
We've had a somewhat busy week—with a conference of the missionaries
of La Rioja and Catamarca and a Stake Conference for all of Argentina,
broadcast from Salt Lake.
Las reuniones
Comieron la semana,
pero aprendí.
[the meetings
ate the week
but I learned]
I think that I'm better learning in a practical sense how important it
was that the Gospel was restored. I know that the Book of Mormon is
true, and that it evidences that, to quote the Doctrine and Covenants,
'There is a God in Heaven and He does call and inspire men to His holy
work.'
One investigator in Villa Dolores told us how it is hard for him
to believe in God, given his understanding and experience of this and
that, etc. but the conclusion was that we also knew and acknowledged
all the things that to him were doubts and stumblingblocks, but the
difference of personal experience through prayer, and the authorized
ordinances of the the gospel in their correct form, through which the
power of Godliness is manifest, changes the perspective and allows us
to see things with our spiritual eyes a bit more open. I know that it is
only through this church that we can really follow God in His own
path, simply because God established it and guides it today in a real
and direct sense.
Other thoughts from this week included considering what exactly
obedience is—the summary is that it is obedience to the written words
of Christ, guided and made alive by divine guidance through the Holy
Spirit. Consider Nephi's words that the words of Christ will tell us
all things that we should do, and the Holy Ghost will show us all
things that we should do. I know that the Spirit does provide guidance
in all things, according to our faith and desire to listen and to
obey. Obedience to the commandments includes obedience to personal
commandments—specific application as prompted by the Holy Ghost. The
gospel aims to bless us with the gift of the Holy Ghost in this life
so that we may be able to return to live with God. Specific guidance
is required, and also specific personal witness of eternal truths.
Otherwise, this week I did receive the Easter candies and six
envelopes of pen refills! They do fit—thank you very much for sending
me them! It took a while for me to get them because all of my mail
arrives in Cordoba, and then it takes a while to travel the eight
hours or so to La Rioja—usually it comes after a missionary has had to
travel to Cordoba for meetings, etc. which happens about once a month.
I was happy to receive the birthday letter!
Considering differences between Villa Dolores and La Rioja, people do
talk differently here—it's a bit more common to pronounce "rr" more as
"sh," but other than that it's difficult for me to perceive specific
differences. Panaderías are also much less common; I think we had one
every couple blocks in Villa Dolores, but here we have only one
nearby, and they sell two kinds of bread as opposed to about six in my
favourite Villa Dolorensean panadería. Likewise, alfahores are less
common. There are more dirt roads and half-constructed houses, and
also, everybody has a laptop! Every plaza has free Wifi, and is
generally occupied by children playing games on their laptops. There
are also more families in their houses than there seemed to be in
Villa Dolores.
Hope you are well,
Love,
Elder Schlachter
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