So this week my district worked out our schedule to get Monday morning off to do laundry and e-mail and such. Not much to say.... We're expecting a general authority at the fireside tomorrow, maybe one of the first presidency but we have no proof for that because they're keeping the secret awfully well. Life in the MTC goes well.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Christmas Note
Levi sent us a quick note for Christmas (he had his preparation day a day earlier than expected):
Thursday, December 20, 2012
The Latest
Latest letter:
Well, life in the MTC is doing alright. My district is hosting this next week as we're the oldest as of this week (there were 4 weeks before us without any new people in my zone). We finished all our Spanish book in the first 4 1/2 weeks and we've been reviewing since as there's really nothing new we can learn. Ah well, the practice is good for me. I like my zone.... It's almost Christmas.... I'm not really sure what to write about..... The new district is pretty fun.... My district has the co-ordinating sister, both zone leaders and a district leader so more than half of us have a bundle of extra meetings and responsibilities... Don't know what else to say........
Enjoy your week and enjoy Christmas :)
~Levi
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Re: Más Gatinoticias
Latest update. Also, we’ve received a photo of his MTC district.
Christmas lights have been up for a couple weeks now around here. However, other than a few hymns, there's no other really Christmas type things happening and we're not changing anything with classes or the schedule so it doesn't really feel like Christmas. It snowed this week and so some people are as bundled up as possible and I'm just annoyed that I still need to wear a suit because it's still warm.
My companion is Elder Collins, he's a native of the States and our Spanish is coming along pretty well. However, I still enjoy writing in English.
If it's not too late, I'd like to add some more ties to my Christmas list - the tie trade is flourishing but I like my ties so I don't want to trade them. Preferably I'd like some bright and/or unusual (Unique?) ties - perhaps from value village or somewhere, I don't need any new ones. "Schlachter" ties are pretty highly valued here (Up to a 3:1 ratio in trading).
Also, best of luck to Matthew with his exams and assignments. Hope you're doing well :)
~Levi Schlachter
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Week Three
Three weeks here so far and so far I've only recieved one real letter. Training at the MTC is the most difficult thing I've ever done. Admittedly, it got much, much easier after the first 3 days or so. Still hoping to recieve more letters from friends, especially because I brought no contact information and I have no other way to contact people at home. I'm in the MTC until January 21 and then I fly out for northern Argentina.
It's good to hear that the car's working well again and David seems to be doing well. Thank-you for the letters and the cookies, I enjoyed receiving them. I'm still eating two or three servings of every meal and I'm trying to avoid deserts like the plague. It's working pretty well for me :)
Elder Schlachter’s MTC mailing address is:
Elder Levi E. Schlachter
MTC Mailbox #357
ARG-RES 0122
2005 N 900 E
Provo, Utah 84604-1793
USA
You can also send him letters via online service “Dear Elder” with same-day delivery:
http://www.dearelder.com/index/inc_name/letter_sender/mission/Provo%20MTC/
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Latest Letters: November 20 and 27
First update from the Missionary Training Centre:
Following week (didn’t get many letters because parents were in Argentina):
The adventure went fine, I called both the MTC and the shuttle at the airport and everything went smoothly. The first 2 or 3 days were really difficult but then things started to click and it's all good. My MTC companion is Elder Colling and he's a lot like me so we're getting along really well. I'm in the best district (and other districts agree); we have 4 Elders and 4 Hermanas and we're all really dedicated, motivated and generally happy. We're singing and praying all the time.
As for how it feels, it's pretty much the same as being around people my age usually is. The best part so far is that I found a Sister who's really into (and epic at) Yoga and we have the same gym schedules (I think). Enjoying having 2 or 3 servings at every meal (then I usually rubn out of time) and I don't think I've gained any weight yet :P
Do you know if someone's making me a blog? If so, would you mind letting me know the address of it? Thankyou.
MTC is good, hardest thing ever and we're usually spending 8 or 9 hours in a day studying, we taught our first Spanish lesson to an investigator on our second day here. I can't call on Cristmas from the MTC. I got the packages. Trying to do laundry (Pday is Tuesday). And our entire disatrict is being annoyed that we're not perfect at Spanish yet.
Until next week,
-Elder Schlachter
Following week (didn’t get many letters because parents were in Argentina):
Day 13;
So far my communication with the outside world has been limited to a single e-mail. No response has been received. Still no letters from any source. Phone calls are not allowed and I do not know the addresses of my friends. It would be desireable to learn the mailing addresses for Meagan (Matthew likely has access to it) and the Champlain ward missionaries. I'm also wondering if a picture I drew for Samantha has reached it's destination, I forgot to pass it to Matthew to deliver and last I heard it was still on the top of my bookshelf. My Christmas list is comprised of Additional hangers and garments, an extra tube of regular chapstick, a dollarstore chess set, and perhaps some other items which are not so readily remembered. My Yoga buddy has now left for her area. I rather wish I could go places on my own. The companion rule is prudent but also occasionally rather exasperating as I can't simply wander at will and enjoy the weather/sights (or sit and quietly think). Sooooooo bored sometimes (mainly when I'm waiting for laundry or some such). I suppose a notebook for drawing would also be nice, one with a coiled binding on the short side.
Levi
Note from the Editor/Elder Schlachter Comes Home & Leaves Home
Elder David Schlachter arrived home this past Tuesday, November 27. Elder Levi Schlachter departed November 14, heading to the Argentina Resistencia Mission following his two-month capacitation in the Missionary Training Centre in Provo, Utah.
Follow various photos from Elder David Schlachter’s last week in the mission field, parents accompanying him:
Follow various photos from Elder David Schlachter’s last week in the mission field, parents accompanying him:
Monday, November 12, 2012
July 23, 2012, Villa Dolores
Dear Family,
How are you? I am well--I shan't write very much because my keyboard
has a broken "a" key--every time that I want to use it I have to copy
and paste!
We've spent the week looking for new investigators, seeking especially
among those whom I already knew. We've found a few; the general
response is, "I'm so glad that you're coming again!" The members have
also been positive. Sacrament meeting attendance is currently about 60
each Sunday -- quite a bit more than the 10 that were in the chapel
the first week that Elder Melerio started in Villa Dolores.
The mission is working so that every companionship baptises every
month. Previously the average percentage has been about 50-55%, right
now we're at 65%, and the month is expected to close with about 50%
more baptisms than usual.
Love,
Elder Schlachter
How are you? I am well--I shan't write very much because my keyboard
has a broken "a" key--every time that I want to use it I have to copy
and paste!
We've spent the week looking for new investigators, seeking especially
among those whom I already knew. We've found a few; the general
response is, "I'm so glad that you're coming again!" The members have
also been positive. Sacrament meeting attendance is currently about 60
each Sunday -- quite a bit more than the 10 that were in the chapel
the first week that Elder Melerio started in Villa Dolores.
The mission is working so that every companionship baptises every
month. Previously the average percentage has been about 50-55%, right
now we're at 65%, and the month is expected to close with about 50%
more baptisms than usual.
Love,
Elder Schlachter
Dear Family,
How are you? The week has gone quickly. We're working with Luis,
hoping that he can be baptized this coming Saturday.
We had Zone Conference this last week with Elder Zeballos of the
Seventy. He spoke about bringing families to the gospel. I attach a
photo of our zone and one of Elder Henry and I.
Love,
Elder Schlachter
P.S. This is Elder Schlachter's last letter home from Argentina. He finishes his mission on Monday November 19, 2012. His Brother Levi leaves on Wednesday November 14 for the Missionary Training Centre in Provo Utah and from there, to serve a full-time mission in the Resistencia Argentina Mission which borders the Cordoba Argentina Mission. David's mother and I are going to pick David up in Cordoba, and tour his mission with him for a few days before flying back to Ottawa where he will be formally released.
How are you? The week has gone quickly. We're working with Luis,
hoping that he can be baptized this coming Saturday.
We had Zone Conference this last week with Elder Zeballos of the
Seventy. He spoke about bringing families to the gospel. I attach a
photo of our zone and one of Elder Henry and I.
Love,
Elder Schlachter
P.S. This is Elder Schlachter's last letter home from Argentina. He finishes his mission on Monday November 19, 2012. His Brother Levi leaves on Wednesday November 14 for the Missionary Training Centre in Provo Utah and from there, to serve a full-time mission in the Resistencia Argentina Mission which borders the Cordoba Argentina Mission. David's mother and I are going to pick David up in Cordoba, and tour his mission with him for a few days before flying back to Ottawa where he will be formally released.
November 5, 2012, La Calera
Dear Family,
It's been a good week -- in Fast and Testimony meeting an investigator got up and bore his testimony about how he had been reading the Book of Mormon and knows that it's true. We're meeting with him tomorrow -- he'll be baptized on the 17th. We also found an investigator who's been reading the Book of Mormon por su propia cuenta -- right now she's in Mosiah!
Thought: while you're here Sunday the 18th, you could go to church in the Villa Belgrano ward (map). That way you can meet the Fenn family (who sent the thanksgiving picture) and many others who we'll be visiting.
Love,
Élder Schlachter
October 29, 2012, La Calera
Dear Family,
How are you? I am well--it has been stressful week! We've been working
with a less-active family, the children of which want to be baptized,
but, they didn't come to church this Sunday. We'll keep trying--we
expect the (newly instated) Saturday soccer activity to help them be
more comfortable at church.
I've attached a photo of how the Córdoba temple is going, and a sheet
from a 2003 MTC grammar book which explains 'el vos' -- it's generally
used here instead of 'tú' as the familiar 2nd person form of address.
Love,
Elder Schlachter
2012/10/29 Alan Schlachter wrote:
I fixed up a bicycle for Levi at the beginning of the summer thinking
that it would be good for him to get in shape to manage one on his
mission — unfortunately, I don’t think he has ever ridden it. I will
soon be putting it away in the shed for the winter. How much do
you travel on bicycles in your mission?
It depends on the area--in our mission the areas that have bicycles
are generally smaller towns or cities that don't have much public
transportation. The only area where I've had a bicycle was Villa
Dolores; Leones was small enough not to need them, but neighbouring
Marcos Juárez and Bell Ville did had them.
October 22, 2012, La Calera
2012/10/22 Wendy Schlachter:
Some tips: I recommend getting at least 14 shirts (probably more
short-sleeve) and pairs of garments -- one of my biggest challenges in
day-to-day living is washing the laundry. Currently I bring it all to
the laundromat next door, but currently having only 8 pairs, and as 14
fit in the basket, I wash it there every two weeks and wash a bit by
hand in the week. Also, get at least 14 pairs of socks. Often someone
from the ward will wash the clothes weekly, but with the complicated
situation of bringing the clothes, waiting for the wash, picking it
up, etc, it's worth it to have a goodly quantity of the basics.
You won't wear a suit more than in the MTC, on Sundays, baptisms, and
near-monthly Zone Conference or Interviews. You could probably only
bring one (or two so as to have a backup).
Get everything polyester! Polyester suit, some three pairs more of
polyester pants. Your routine will be simplified if your suit and all
of your pants are simple black -- that way you can wear any of the
pants with the jacket. Case study: I'm on a three-day exchange and
need to be in a suit on Wednesday. I'm wearing my black Sears pants
and so I just need to ask my companion to bring the (Sears) jacket on
Wednesday to our meeting.
My shoes have held up very well -- consider bringing two pairs of the
same (good) shoe, and switch them out each day so that they can dry.
Maybe bring some extra shoe laces. Untie them and tie them every day
-- otherwise your heal will get wrecked! Polishing them frequently
keeps them in shape. Bring them to a zapatero before they get very
broken and they'll hold up great. Pro tip: take out the inner sole
each night and take out the little rocks (shake the shoe out, pick the
rocks out of the inner sole); otherwise the inner sole with wear out
quickly.
For athletic shoes favour a soccer shoe over a running shoe -- it
holds up better when you're dodging back and forth on the field!
Love,
Elder Schlachter
Levi has all his paperwork in order for his mission. He flies out at
7:00 a.m. on the 14th (his report date to the MTC). ALL we need
to do now is buy clothing… shoes… vitamins… bug spray… etc.
He's currently taking typhoid pills - one of the joys of serving in a
sub-tropical area. From your Argentinian experience, would you
have any recommendations concerning "What you should never
leave home without"?
Some tips: I recommend getting at least 14 shirts (probably more
short-sleeve) and pairs of garments -- one of my biggest challenges in
day-to-day living is washing the laundry. Currently I bring it all to
the laundromat next door, but currently having only 8 pairs, and as 14
fit in the basket, I wash it there every two weeks and wash a bit by
hand in the week. Also, get at least 14 pairs of socks. Often someone
from the ward will wash the clothes weekly, but with the complicated
situation of bringing the clothes, waiting for the wash, picking it
up, etc, it's worth it to have a goodly quantity of the basics.
You won't wear a suit more than in the MTC, on Sundays, baptisms, and
near-monthly Zone Conference or Interviews. You could probably only
bring one (or two so as to have a backup).
Get everything polyester! Polyester suit, some three pairs more of
polyester pants. Your routine will be simplified if your suit and all
of your pants are simple black -- that way you can wear any of the
pants with the jacket. Case study: I'm on a three-day exchange and
need to be in a suit on Wednesday. I'm wearing my black Sears pants
and so I just need to ask my companion to bring the (Sears) jacket on
Wednesday to our meeting.
My shoes have held up very well -- consider bringing two pairs of the
same (good) shoe, and switch them out each day so that they can dry.
Maybe bring some extra shoe laces. Untie them and tie them every day
-- otherwise your heal will get wrecked! Polishing them frequently
keeps them in shape. Bring them to a zapatero before they get very
broken and they'll hold up great. Pro tip: take out the inner sole
each night and take out the little rocks (shake the shoe out, pick the
rocks out of the inner sole); otherwise the inner sole with wear out
quickly.
For athletic shoes favour a soccer shoe over a running shoe -- it
holds up better when you're dodging back and forth on the field!
Love,
Elder Schlachter
October 15, 2012, La Calerita
Dear Family,
How are you? I am well--this week we've been talking to more people
and working to get someone to church! President Salas will probably be
training our Ward Mission Leader this week. We're working hard and
expect to continue seeing results this week.
It's a bit off-topic, but I thought out a rough itinerary for when you come:
Monday 19: Villa Belgrano/Calera/Córdoba
Tuesday: Travel to La Rioja, arrive at midday
Wednesday: Travel to Villa Dolores, arrive in the evening
Thursday - Saturday: Villa Dolores, Saturday afternoon leave to Leones
(arriving in the evening)
Sunday: Leones
Monday 26: return to Córdoba
If we have a significant layover between the two Buenos Aires airports
(national and international) we could see Elder Melerio--he's living
in Buenos Aires right now. The temple is right on the highway between
airports and we could also visit it.
Love,
Elder Schlachter
How are you? I am well--this week we've been talking to more people
and working to get someone to church! President Salas will probably be
training our Ward Mission Leader this week. We're working hard and
expect to continue seeing results this week.
It's a bit off-topic, but I thought out a rough itinerary for when you come:
Monday 19: Villa Belgrano/Calera/Córdoba
Tuesday: Travel to La Rioja, arrive at midday
Wednesday: Travel to Villa Dolores, arrive in the evening
Thursday - Saturday: Villa Dolores, Saturday afternoon leave to Leones
(arriving in the evening)
Sunday: Leones
Monday 26: return to Córdoba
If we have a significant layover between the two Buenos Aires airports
(national and international) we could see Elder Melerio--he's living
in Buenos Aires right now. The temple is right on the highway between
airports and we could also visit it.
Love,
Elder Schlachter
Monday, October 8, 2012
August 13, 2012, Villa Dolores
Dear Family,
We've had a generally successful week; we've been able to have
productive visits with several members. We're trying to improve our
coordination.
The primary asked that we help with an activity on Saturday; it went
quite well and several investigators came. Sunday was more dificult
because it was Día del Niño.
I reflected this week on consacration. The successful misionary
forgets himself when he is set apart from what he once was; he loses
himself in the call to become as the Saviour and be His
representative. Figuratively, he leaves all of his personal 'things'
in a box at home, arriving back he sifts through it and decides what
to keep. (photos)
Hope all is well; have fun at Youth Conference!
Love,
Eder Schlachter
We've had a generally successful week; we've been able to have
productive visits with several members. We're trying to improve our
coordination.
The primary asked that we help with an activity on Saturday; it went
quite well and several investigators came. Sunday was more dificult
because it was Día del Niño.
I reflected this week on consacration. The successful misionary
forgets himself when he is set apart from what he once was; he loses
himself in the call to become as the Saviour and be His
representative. Figuratively, he leaves all of his personal 'things'
in a box at home, arriving back he sifts through it and decides what
to keep. (photos)
Hope all is well; have fun at Youth Conference!
Love,
Eder Schlachter
October 8, 2012, La Calera
Dear Family,
This week we're working to find new investigators and trying to talk
to more and more people. Elder Marchant and I both stay in La Calera
this transfer.
I enjoyed Conference. Elder Holland gave basically the same talk that
he gave two years ago (see Sunday morning session at Conference link) while I was in the MTC--it's the introductory
and concluding idea of my mission, I suppose. I enjoyed the story of
the temple inspectors (see Saturday afternoon session talk by Elder Scott D. Whiting). I should like my character to be capable of
passing such scrutiny. The announcement of earlier missionary ages was
revelatory.
We didn't get anybody to General Conference, but... we do have this week!
Love,
Elder Schlachter
This week we're working to find new investigators and trying to talk
to more and more people. Elder Marchant and I both stay in La Calera
this transfer.
I enjoyed Conference. Elder Holland gave basically the same talk that
he gave two years ago (see Sunday morning session at Conference link) while I was in the MTC--it's the introductory
and concluding idea of my mission, I suppose. I enjoyed the story of
the temple inspectors (see Saturday afternoon session talk by Elder Scott D. Whiting). I should like my character to be capable of
passing such scrutiny. The announcement of earlier missionary ages was
revelatory.
We didn't get anybody to General Conference, but... we do have this week!
Love,
Elder Schlachter
October 1, 2012, La Calera
Dear Family,
How are you? I am well--the week has gone quickly.
We found a nice family this week (Flia. Martínez). We hope to get them to church this coming week.
We've been able to go out with several members this week, and we had a Family Home Evening with the Branch President.
We're working on talking with more people in order to build up a 'teaching pool.'
Transfers are this weekend, together with General Conference. We hope to get many to it.
Love,
Elder Schlachter
September 24, 2012, La Calera
P. S. I had attached several photos in last week's email, but had
attached too many and the mail never arrived! I append the text I
wrote last week:
Dear Family,
How are you? I am well--lately I need to check my agenda before
writing; otherwise I can never remember what has happened in the week!
Brisa was baptized this week! The scheduling was complicated, but
finally it all worked out.
I've started reading the Book of Mormon again. This time I'm studying
the concept of Zion. I'd like to finish before General Conference.
We'll be working hard this week to find more investigators. We're
continuing Family Home Evenings with families in the branch. I'll try
to write more next week!
Love,
Elder Schlachter
attached too many and the mail never arrived! I append the text I
wrote last week:
Dear Family,
How are you? I am well--lately I need to check my agenda before
writing; otherwise I can never remember what has happened in the week!
Brisa was baptized this week! The scheduling was complicated, but
finally it all worked out.
I've started reading the Book of Mormon again. This time I'm studying
the concept of Zion. I'd like to finish before General Conference.
We'll be working hard this week to find more investigators. We're
continuing Family Home Evenings with families in the branch. I'll try
to write more next week!
Love,
Elder Schlachter
September 17, 2012, La Calera
Dear Family,
How are you? I am well -- I've finally sent photos this week!
We had Zone Conference this week, and spoke about conversion and the
power of the Book of Mormon as scripture. I decided to study The
Restoration this week; my impression is that doctrine cannot be
over-studied so long as the examination is of practical application.
This week I'm on exchanges -- again! This time with Elder Watts in the
next ward over.
One of the photos is of Elder Melerio, Elder Henry and me. Elder
Melerio goes home in three weeks -- I've enjoyed having my trainer
with me in the mission for almost all of my time here. photos
This week we're starting strategic visits to leadership of the branch.
We'll be teaching them the missionary lessons so that they can feel
the Holy Ghost more; we hope to help them personally and improve our
coordination with them. We did exchanges in the Priesthood class
yesterday. The quorum president, Pte. Chávez, remarked to one of the
visited, 'We were tired of looking at each other so we decided to come
out and visit you.' Elder Marchant went with Billy Rodríguez, 21, who
is waiting for his mission papers to arrive.
Love,
Elder Schlachter
P.S. In the photo of playing spoons, it's actually called 'chancho'
and hands are put on the table rather than used to remove spoons. The
slowest one loses!
How are you? I am well -- I've finally sent photos this week!
We had Zone Conference this week, and spoke about conversion and the
power of the Book of Mormon as scripture. I decided to study The
Restoration this week; my impression is that doctrine cannot be
over-studied so long as the examination is of practical application.
This week I'm on exchanges -- again! This time with Elder Watts in the
next ward over.
One of the photos is of Elder Melerio, Elder Henry and me. Elder
Melerio goes home in three weeks -- I've enjoyed having my trainer
with me in the mission for almost all of my time here. photos
This week we're starting strategic visits to leadership of the branch.
We'll be teaching them the missionary lessons so that they can feel
the Holy Ghost more; we hope to help them personally and improve our
coordination with them. We did exchanges in the Priesthood class
yesterday. The quorum president, Pte. Chávez, remarked to one of the
visited, 'We were tired of looking at each other so we decided to come
out and visit you.' Elder Marchant went with Billy Rodríguez, 21, who
is waiting for his mission papers to arrive.
Love,
Elder Schlachter
P.S. In the photo of playing spoons, it's actually called 'chancho'
and hands are put on the table rather than used to remove spoons. The
slowest one loses!
September 10, 2012, La Calera
Dear Family,
The week has gone quickly; we have a baptism this Friday.
The Buenos Aires temple was dedicated yesterday; on Saturday we went
to the Cultural Celebration (broadcast).
Love,
Elder Schlachter
The week has gone quickly; we have a baptism this Friday.
The Buenos Aires temple was dedicated yesterday; on Saturday we went
to the Cultural Celebration (broadcast).
Love,
Elder Schlachter
September 3, 2012, La Calera
Dear Family,
How are you? I am well--my first week in La Calera has gone quickly;
I've been working to adjust to the people here; they're a little bit
different everywhere. We're working now so that a nine-year-old
investigator (Brisa) can be baptized by her dad next weekend. There
are many families here in Calera returning to activity in the church.
The temple in Buenos Aires is being dedicated this Sunday. They added
two new wings; now it's triangular. We'll be watching the broadcast in
one of the chapels in Córdoba.
Right now I'm on an exchange with Elder Melerio until Wednesday.
Love,
Elder Schlachter
How are you? I am well--my first week in La Calera has gone quickly;
I've been working to adjust to the people here; they're a little bit
different everywhere. We're working now so that a nine-year-old
investigator (Brisa) can be baptized by her dad next weekend. There
are many families here in Calera returning to activity in the church.
The temple in Buenos Aires is being dedicated this Sunday. They added
two new wings; now it's triangular. We'll be watching the broadcast in
one of the chapels in Córdoba.
Right now I'm on an exchange with Elder Melerio until Wednesday.
Love,
Elder Schlachter
August 27, 2012, La Calera
Dear Family,
How are you? I am well--a bit hurried; my P-Day ends in ten minutes!
I've been transferred from Villa Dolores to La Calera, a small city
stuck to the city of Córdoba. My new companion is Elder Marchant, from
Missouri (I think). We've spent the day cleaning the apartment.
My time in Villa Dolores was brief but very excellent. I'm pleased to
be here in this zone; my zone leaders are Élder Melerio and the
Mexican Élder López who was with me during my stay in Leones.
Off to work!
Love,
Élder Schlachter
How are you? I am well--a bit hurried; my P-Day ends in ten minutes!
I've been transferred from Villa Dolores to La Calera, a small city
stuck to the city of Córdoba. My new companion is Elder Marchant, from
Missouri (I think). We've spent the day cleaning the apartment.
My time in Villa Dolores was brief but very excellent. I'm pleased to
be here in this zone; my zone leaders are Élder Melerio and the
Mexican Élder López who was with me during my stay in Leones.
Off to work!
Love,
Élder Schlachter
August 20, 2012, Villa Dolores
Dear Family,
How are you? I am well--I'm tired of writing it, but the week has
flown by, again!
One of our principal objectives is to improve coordination with the
branch. We presently have no Mission Leader,
so we're meeting often with quorum, relief society, and branch
presidents to keep them up-to-date on what we're doing, and solicit
help! For example, this week we asked the Gospel Principles teacher to
send a text message to a couple that needed to come to church, we gave
an important reference to the Elders Quorum President, we visit the
family of the Relief Society President at least once a week, etc. (photos)
I'm quite tired!
Love,
Elder Schlachter
How are you? I am well--I'm tired of writing it, but the week has
flown by, again!
One of our principal objectives is to improve coordination with the
branch. We presently have no Mission Leader,
so we're meeting often with quorum, relief society, and branch
presidents to keep them up-to-date on what we're doing, and solicit
help! For example, this week we asked the Gospel Principles teacher to
send a text message to a couple that needed to come to church, we gave
an important reference to the Elders Quorum President, we visit the
family of the Relief Society President at least once a week, etc. (photos)
I'm quite tired!
Love,
Elder Schlachter
August 6, 2012, Villa Dolores
Dear Family,
How are you? I am well--time flies! I've attached a picture of how the
temple construction is going in Córdoba.
Today I'm off to Merlo, San Luis for an exchange. The Zone Leaders
came over from Río Cuarto this week (Elder Bird, and Elder Noguera)
and we did exchanges in Merlo and in Villa Dolores.
Anyhow, I need be off to catch the bus!
Love,
Elder Schlachter
P.S. I'll try to send photos next week! (photos)
How are you? I am well--time flies! I've attached a picture of how the
temple construction is going in Córdoba.
Today I'm off to Merlo, San Luis for an exchange. The Zone Leaders
came over from Río Cuarto this week (Elder Bird, and Elder Noguera)
and we did exchanges in Merlo and in Villa Dolores.
Anyhow, I need be off to catch the bus!
Love,
Elder Schlachter
P.S. I'll try to send photos next week! (photos)
July 30, 2012, Villa Dolores
Dear Family,
How are you? I am well--this week we've been... busy! Zipping about on
bicycles all over Villa Dolores. We have many people to visit.
I'm so glad to be here in Villa Dolores and in the mission in general.
Love,
Elder Schlachter
P.S. I'll send photos in the coming week.
How are you? I am well--this week we've been... busy! Zipping about on
bicycles all over Villa Dolores. We have many people to visit.
I'm so glad to be here in Villa Dolores and in the mission in general.
Love,
Elder Schlachter
P.S. I'll send photos in the coming week.
July 16, 2012, Villa Dolores
Dear Family,
I've been transferred, to Villa Dolores, again!
The week went quickly in Leones; an excommunicated member finally
received approval to be rebaptised, and generally things are
improving, even though very few got to the chapel on Sunday.
In Villa Dolores, I'm here with Elder Bermedo, from Chile (Santiago).
He's an excellent missionary, very perceptive, a hard worker, etc. We
have the same amount of time in the mission as well. I'm looking
forwards to working with the members here and hopefully we'll be able
to help some of my old investigators to be baptised this time around.
I consider it an excellent opportunity.
Congratulations to Levi for his mission call! I'm excited that we'll
be able to speak Spanish to each other. However, regardless of the
location of the mission I know that it will be an important experience
for him and those whom he will be serving.
Love,
Elder Schlachter
PD Me comunico con la oficina de la misión por lo de llegar antes de
que salga Levi.
[PS I spoke with the mission about arriving home before Levi leaves.]
I've been transferred, to Villa Dolores, again!
The week went quickly in Leones; an excommunicated member finally
received approval to be rebaptised, and generally things are
improving, even though very few got to the chapel on Sunday.
In Villa Dolores, I'm here with Elder Bermedo, from Chile (Santiago).
He's an excellent missionary, very perceptive, a hard worker, etc. We
have the same amount of time in the mission as well. I'm looking
forwards to working with the members here and hopefully we'll be able
to help some of my old investigators to be baptised this time around.
I consider it an excellent opportunity.
Congratulations to Levi for his mission call! I'm excited that we'll
be able to speak Spanish to each other. However, regardless of the
location of the mission I know that it will be an important experience
for him and those whom he will be serving.
Love,
Elder Schlachter
PD Me comunico con la oficina de la misión por lo de llegar antes de
que salga Levi.
[PS I spoke with the mission about arriving home before Levi leaves.]
July 9, 2012, Los Leones
Dear Family,
How are you? I am well. The week has gone quickly, as usual.
I finished reading the The Book of Mormon today. As I had mentioned,
I've been marking references to Christ by His name, His words, and the
words of prayers. Here's the list of prayers, if you're curious:
- 1 Nephi 7:17; 17:9
- 2 Nephi 4:30-35
- Enos 1:7
- Mosiah 18:12
- Alma 2:30; 14:26; 15:10; 18:41; 19:29; 22:18; 31:15-18; 31:26-35;
33:4-11, 13, 16; 36:18
- Helaman 11:4; 11:10-16
- 3 Nephi 13:9-13; 17:14; 19:20-23, 28-29
- Ether 2:18-19, 22; 3:2-5; 12:23-25, 29-35
I'm planning on starting it again, this time marking and reading to
understand repentance and virtue. Tomorrow I'll be analyzing in my
personal study what I've read.
The week was mostly spent in exchanges with Bell Ville and Marcos
Juarez. We were able to teach quite a bit in Leones, but we need to
improve what we teach as people aren't getting to church nor baptismal
commitments. Sunday was quiet; a goodly number of our brethren are
suffering health challenges and neither they nor their families got to
church this week.
Transfers are this week; I find out by Monday if I get to stay.
I've attached one of the latest pictures of the construction of the
Cordoba temple. (photos)
Love,
Elder Schlachter
How are you? I am well. The week has gone quickly, as usual.
I finished reading the The Book of Mormon today. As I had mentioned,
I've been marking references to Christ by His name, His words, and the
words of prayers. Here's the list of prayers, if you're curious:
- 1 Nephi 7:17; 17:9
- 2 Nephi 4:30-35
- Enos 1:7
- Mosiah 18:12
- Alma 2:30; 14:26; 15:10; 18:41; 19:29; 22:18; 31:15-18; 31:26-35;
33:4-11, 13, 16; 36:18
- Helaman 11:4; 11:10-16
- 3 Nephi 13:9-13; 17:14; 19:20-23, 28-29
- Ether 2:18-19, 22; 3:2-5; 12:23-25, 29-35
I'm planning on starting it again, this time marking and reading to
understand repentance and virtue. Tomorrow I'll be analyzing in my
personal study what I've read.
The week was mostly spent in exchanges with Bell Ville and Marcos
Juarez. We were able to teach quite a bit in Leones, but we need to
improve what we teach as people aren't getting to church nor baptismal
commitments. Sunday was quiet; a goodly number of our brethren are
suffering health challenges and neither they nor their families got to
church this week.
Transfers are this week; I find out by Monday if I get to stay.
I've attached one of the latest pictures of the construction of the
Cordoba temple. (photos)
Love,
Elder Schlachter
July 2, Los Leones
Dear Family,
How are you? I am well, the week has gone quickly.
We had a zone conference, and talked about the importance of
testimony, the utility of planning, and effectiveness of district
meetings. Interviews with President are expected before the transfer
(July 15).
We have much to do. We're working hard so that Natalia, a young woman
who has already gone to church many times, can be baptized this coming
Sunday. It'll be a busy week in the entire district; we're expecting
baptisms in all three areas. We're in Marcos Juárez today starting an
exchange until Wednesday.
I'm excited to hear more about Levi's mission call!
Love,
Elder Schlachter
How are you? I am well, the week has gone quickly.
We had a zone conference, and talked about the importance of
testimony, the utility of planning, and effectiveness of district
meetings. Interviews with President are expected before the transfer
(July 15).
We have much to do. We're working hard so that Natalia, a young woman
who has already gone to church many times, can be baptized this coming
Sunday. It'll be a busy week in the entire district; we're expecting
baptisms in all three areas. We're in Marcos Juárez today starting an
exchange until Wednesday.
I'm excited to hear more about Levi's mission call!
Love,
Elder Schlachter
Monday, June 25, 2012
June 25, 2012, Leones
Dear Family,
How are you? I am well--the week has gone quickly in Leones. We had
three investigators in church on Sunday, and all of them came by
themselves. We're being very blessed.
The mission's goal is that every companionship baptize in July. Thus,
we're working hard to do so in Leones this month. We're working with
Rosa, who lives a block and a half from the chapel, Natalia, who has
come to church many times before, and José and Dayana from San Marcos
(Miño's investigators!).
I sent some photos.
Love,
Elder Schlachter
How are you? I am well--the week has gone quickly in Leones. We had
three investigators in church on Sunday, and all of them came by
themselves. We're being very blessed.
The mission's goal is that every companionship baptize in July. Thus,
we're working hard to do so in Leones this month. We're working with
Rosa, who lives a block and a half from the chapel, Natalia, who has
come to church many times before, and José and Dayana from San Marcos
(Miño's investigators!).
I sent some photos.
Love,
Elder Schlachter
June 18, 2012, Leones
Dear Family,
How are you? I am well. This week we were able to teach more than
usual. However, poor weather on Sunday morning, combined with Fathers'
Day, discouraged church attendance.
We found Francisco this week and gave him a priesthood blessing. He's
been ill and 'pasándolo más' recently. We're hoping that he's feeling
up to coming to church more; he's been a bit discouraged, but
continues praying daily and reading the scriptures.
We've had various lessons with less-active members this week to
encourage them. Flia. Bracamonte, one of them, is starting to come to
church again. Tonight we're heading over to talk about the temple.
Have a great week!
Love,
Élder Schlachter
How are you? I am well. This week we were able to teach more than
usual. However, poor weather on Sunday morning, combined with Fathers'
Day, discouraged church attendance.
We found Francisco this week and gave him a priesthood blessing. He's
been ill and 'pasándolo más' recently. We're hoping that he's feeling
up to coming to church more; he's been a bit discouraged, but
continues praying daily and reading the scriptures.
We've had various lessons with less-active members this week to
encourage them. Flia. Bracamonte, one of them, is starting to come to
church again. Tonight we're heading over to talk about the temple.
Have a great week!
Love,
Élder Schlachter
June 11, 2012, Leones
Dear Family,
How are you? I am well—it's been another busy week in Leones.
Miño brought two investigators to church this week (José and Dayana).
They need to get married, and then they can be baptized. We're
expecting them to be ready for their baptism in July.
Our ward mission leader was released; now he's the young men's president.
Today I set the goal to read the Book of Mormon by the end of the
transfer—today I read 1 Nephi 1 - 9. I'm looking for what they did and
what God did; trying to understand better the relationship that I need
to have with God, and the role of grace.
It's been chilly—supposedly it was - 7º C a few days ago at night. In
the street I've been about with two sweaters, a jacket and tuque, and
might get out my mittens! Starting today it's gotten warmer—it's
probably about 10º C outside.
Love,
Elder Schlachter
How are you? I am well—it's been another busy week in Leones.
Miño brought two investigators to church this week (José and Dayana).
They need to get married, and then they can be baptized. We're
expecting them to be ready for their baptism in July.
Our ward mission leader was released; now he's the young men's president.
Today I set the goal to read the Book of Mormon by the end of the
transfer—today I read 1 Nephi 1 - 9. I'm looking for what they did and
what God did; trying to understand better the relationship that I need
to have with God, and the role of grace.
It's been chilly—supposedly it was - 7º C a few days ago at night. In
the street I've been about with two sweaters, a jacket and tuque, and
might get out my mittens! Starting today it's gotten warmer—it's
probably about 10º C outside.
Love,
Elder Schlachter
June 4, 2012, Leones
Dear Family,
How are you? I am well—we've spent the day playing football (soccer)
with the neighbourhood kids.
The week has gone well. Miño is doing well; he received the priesthood
on Sunday. We prepped him by teaching him about the Bible Dictionary
and showing him how to look up topics of interest. We expect his
family to come this week as he (impressively) blesses the sacrament.
We did the impossible by baptising this week as well. His name is
Kevin, he's 12 years old, a relative and friend of various members.
He's expected to move away in a week, but... that's what they said
three weeks ago. Miño shared his testimony in the baptism.
My hands are a bit chilled (from football) so I shan't write much—it's
getting colder; they say it'll get below freezing this week!
We had transfers this week, but almost everyone is staying. In the
district, Hna. Frías from Salta is off, and we're receiving Hna.
Vásquez from Columbia. Elder Espínola and I stay here to keep building
the branch. We might receive a senior couple of missionaries this
month (like the Flia. Dos Santos in Villa Dolores).
Love,
Elder Schlachter
P.S. I've been meaning to ask for a while; could someone please send
me sheet music for "Come, Thou Fount?" I'd like to learn it when I'm
near a piano (it's in the previous hymnbook).
How are you? I am well—we've spent the day playing football (soccer)
with the neighbourhood kids.
The week has gone well. Miño is doing well; he received the priesthood
on Sunday. We prepped him by teaching him about the Bible Dictionary
and showing him how to look up topics of interest. We expect his
family to come this week as he (impressively) blesses the sacrament.
We did the impossible by baptising this week as well. His name is
Kevin, he's 12 years old, a relative and friend of various members.
He's expected to move away in a week, but... that's what they said
three weeks ago. Miño shared his testimony in the baptism.
My hands are a bit chilled (from football) so I shan't write much—it's
getting colder; they say it'll get below freezing this week!
We had transfers this week, but almost everyone is staying. In the
district, Hna. Frías from Salta is off, and we're receiving Hna.
Vásquez from Columbia. Elder Espínola and I stay here to keep building
the branch. We might receive a senior couple of missionaries this
month (like the Flia. Dos Santos in Villa Dolores).
Love,
Elder Schlachter
P.S. I've been meaning to ask for a while; could someone please send
me sheet music for "Come, Thou Fount?" I'd like to learn it when I'm
near a piano (it's in the previous hymnbook).
May 28, 2012, Leones
Dear Family,
How are you? I am well -- it's been a stressful week! Yesterday Omar
Miño was baptized. On Saturday he told us that he didn't want to
continue investigating, wouldn't come to church again, and offered to
return his Book of Mormon, for, 'personal reasons.' We came home a bit
discouraged, but, counselling with the zone leaders, we went to pick
him up for church on Sunday morning. This involved a 20-minute bus
trip at 06:55, waiting for an hour in a chilly plaza in the dark
waiting for a reasonable hour to knock on the door to arrive, etc.
And, he decided to come. His baptism was scheduled for yesterday, but
we weren't completely prepared. The district president did the
baptismal interview, I ran to Marcos Juárez with the 2° counsellor,
and Elder Espínola took care of encouraging Miño. It was quite
stressful, but everything did turn out in the end. It's the first
baptism in Leones in about six months, and the first of an adult in
about a year. Hno. Miño es well-committed and will soon receive the
priesthood. Now we'll be working hard with his family; the whole
branch is.
We've been saying for the last 5 months that the Lord is blessing the
Leones Branch, and now it's becoming a bit more visible.
The Buenos Aires temple will be rededicated in September; we're
preparing the members for the dedication, which will be broadcast to
most of the chapels in Argentina. In Córdoba, work on the Córdoba
temple is in progress; the foundations are being laid now.
This week is transfer week; we'll see if I get to stay longer in Leones!
Love,
Élder Schlachter
How are you? I am well -- it's been a stressful week! Yesterday Omar
Miño was baptized. On Saturday he told us that he didn't want to
continue investigating, wouldn't come to church again, and offered to
return his Book of Mormon, for, 'personal reasons.' We came home a bit
discouraged, but, counselling with the zone leaders, we went to pick
him up for church on Sunday morning. This involved a 20-minute bus
trip at 06:55, waiting for an hour in a chilly plaza in the dark
waiting for a reasonable hour to knock on the door to arrive, etc.
And, he decided to come. His baptism was scheduled for yesterday, but
we weren't completely prepared. The district president did the
baptismal interview, I ran to Marcos Juárez with the 2° counsellor,
and Elder Espínola took care of encouraging Miño. It was quite
stressful, but everything did turn out in the end. It's the first
baptism in Leones in about six months, and the first of an adult in
about a year. Hno. Miño es well-committed and will soon receive the
priesthood. Now we'll be working hard with his family; the whole
branch is.
We've been saying for the last 5 months that the Lord is blessing the
Leones Branch, and now it's becoming a bit more visible.
The Buenos Aires temple will be rededicated in September; we're
preparing the members for the dedication, which will be broadcast to
most of the chapels in Argentina. In Córdoba, work on the Córdoba
temple is in progress; the foundations are being laid now.
This week is transfer week; we'll see if I get to stay longer in Leones!
Love,
Élder Schlachter
May 21, 2012, Leones
Dear Family,
How are you? I am well--esta semana pudimos concretar el bautismo del
Hno. Miño, amigo del Pte. Macris. Es uno de los albañiles que está
haciendo una nueva pared en la capilla. El Pte. Macris nos llamó en la
semana para decirnos que le había preguntado al el Hno. Miño si se
quería bautizar, y que éste dijo que sí. Entonces, le pusimos fecha
bautismal para este domingo que viene. Le llamamos a él en la semana y
lo encontramos leyendo las escrituras de la sección de Estudio
Adicional del folleto 3. También dijo que oró en la semana y recibió
una respuesta: 'Por sus frutos los conoceréis.' Se ve muy listo, y
pudo conocer al Pte. Ceccón (Pte del Distrito) el domingo, y habló de
nuevo con el Pte. Alladio (Consejero del Pte. Ceccón). Faltaría
enseñarle los mandamientos, pues, lo hacemos en esta semana.
[This week we were able to firm up the baptism of Brother Mino, a friend of President Macris. His is one of the tile workers that is putting in a new floor in the church. President Macris called us during the week to tell us that he had been talking to Bother Mino as to if he would like to be baptised and that he had said he would. So, we set a baptismal date for this coming Sunday. We called him during the week and we found him reading the scriptures from the study section of the third discussion pamphlet. He also said that he prayed during the week and received an answer: "by their fruits ye shall know them. He seems very smart and he was able to meet President Ceccon (District President) on Sunday and he spoke again with President Alladio (President Ceccon's counsellor). We just have to teach him the commandments so we will do that htis week.]
We were going about on Saturday and received a call from the Francucci
family: "Elder: there are about 10 or 12 kids here in front of my
house looking for a Primary activity!" We came running to the
cancelled activity that had not been announced as such and watched
'Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restauration,' accompanied by as many
cookies as our pocket change could purchase. The activity went well.
President Macris was released this week as Branch President because of
various health challenges. He's presently in Buenos Aires for medical
reasons. Meanwhile we're somewhat in charge as the representatives of
the district and mision, and a district counsellor will probably be
presiding on Sundays.
We were sitting in the bus terminal in Bell Ville this week and an
angry fellow came by to yell at us; Elder Espínola was busy trying to
talk to him about the Bible, but he wasn't very receptive. However,
the miracle ocurred when two Evangelical ladies from Brazil walked by,
listened a bit, and started saying, "¡Blasfemia! ¡Blasfemia contra
Dios!" [blasphemy, blasphemy again God!] We were able to talk with them afterwards and the Hermanas in
Bell Ville were able to teach them. It was helpful that Elder Espínola
speaks Portugese.
Love,
Elder Schlachter
P.S. I haven't sent many photos lately because it looks like File
Sharing got disabled on the computer at home; if you check in the
sharing pane of System Preferences you'd want to enable file sharing,
and under the Options button, enable FTP (File Transfer Protocol).
P.P.S. I did some analysis this week and was wondering if you could
send me some information about McGill -- I would be interested in
seeing the available programs and the deadline for admissions for the
winter semester.
How are you? I am well--esta semana pudimos concretar el bautismo del
Hno. Miño, amigo del Pte. Macris. Es uno de los albañiles que está
haciendo una nueva pared en la capilla. El Pte. Macris nos llamó en la
semana para decirnos que le había preguntado al el Hno. Miño si se
quería bautizar, y que éste dijo que sí. Entonces, le pusimos fecha
bautismal para este domingo que viene. Le llamamos a él en la semana y
lo encontramos leyendo las escrituras de la sección de Estudio
Adicional del folleto 3. También dijo que oró en la semana y recibió
una respuesta: 'Por sus frutos los conoceréis.' Se ve muy listo, y
pudo conocer al Pte. Ceccón (Pte del Distrito) el domingo, y habló de
nuevo con el Pte. Alladio (Consejero del Pte. Ceccón). Faltaría
enseñarle los mandamientos, pues, lo hacemos en esta semana.
[This week we were able to firm up the baptism of Brother Mino, a friend of President Macris. His is one of the tile workers that is putting in a new floor in the church. President Macris called us during the week to tell us that he had been talking to Bother Mino as to if he would like to be baptised and that he had said he would. So, we set a baptismal date for this coming Sunday. We called him during the week and we found him reading the scriptures from the study section of the third discussion pamphlet. He also said that he prayed during the week and received an answer: "by their fruits ye shall know them. He seems very smart and he was able to meet President Ceccon (District President) on Sunday and he spoke again with President Alladio (President Ceccon's counsellor). We just have to teach him the commandments so we will do that htis week.]
We were going about on Saturday and received a call from the Francucci
family: "Elder: there are about 10 or 12 kids here in front of my
house looking for a Primary activity!" We came running to the
cancelled activity that had not been announced as such and watched
'Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restauration,' accompanied by as many
cookies as our pocket change could purchase. The activity went well.
President Macris was released this week as Branch President because of
various health challenges. He's presently in Buenos Aires for medical
reasons. Meanwhile we're somewhat in charge as the representatives of
the district and mision, and a district counsellor will probably be
presiding on Sundays.
We were sitting in the bus terminal in Bell Ville this week and an
angry fellow came by to yell at us; Elder Espínola was busy trying to
talk to him about the Bible, but he wasn't very receptive. However,
the miracle ocurred when two Evangelical ladies from Brazil walked by,
listened a bit, and started saying, "¡Blasfemia! ¡Blasfemia contra
Dios!" [blasphemy, blasphemy again God!] We were able to talk with them afterwards and the Hermanas in
Bell Ville were able to teach them. It was helpful that Elder Espínola
speaks Portugese.
Love,
Elder Schlachter
P.S. I haven't sent many photos lately because it looks like File
Sharing got disabled on the computer at home; if you check in the
sharing pane of System Preferences you'd want to enable file sharing,
and under the Options button, enable FTP (File Transfer Protocol).
P.P.S. I did some analysis this week and was wondering if you could
send me some information about McGill -- I would be interested in
seeing the available programs and the deadline for admissions for the
winter semester.
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