On Thursday, my companion and I left and did visits with President Madariaga in our area, and he visited Carmen with us(the mom that got baptised) and he helped a ton. He also came to the baptism yesterday, then stayed for church and gave a talk and all that jazz.
Good week. I'm super tired, but hard work is great.
love you guys,
Elder Treviño
Anyway, I don't have much time. The week was good and we had a sweet zone conference with Elder Zaballos of the First Quorum of the Seventy. He is a super sweet guy, and even cooler cause he is a Seventy. Anyway the conference was great. It has been blistering hot this week, and there have been some crazy rainstorms as well, but the work moves on with out fail.
I will share a part of my letter with president, but it's in Spanish, so ask Dad to translate it.
Amanda's Note: I translated this as best I could because I'm too lazy to email Dad for the translation.
Yesterday we had an experience with the influence of the spirit. We were walking towards an appointment and contacting some people along the way. When we kept walking, we saw a couple who were sitting in their yard, about 20 feet from the edge. "Contact them," I thought, and my companion had the same thought. When we were going home, the strong feeling came again and this time I followed it. We went and talked to them and they let us in. We shared a good discussion with them about the Restoration, and they seemed to be very interested. I testified in a way I had never done before, and I'm sure they felt the Spirit. They are very good people, and I know that the Lord led us to them. I hope to make progress, but if they don't, it's okay, because I know I gave them the opportunity to hear the gospel.
Ayer justamente tuvimos una experiencia con la influencia del espíritu. Estabamos caminando hacía una visita y contactabamos algunas personas en el camino. Al seguir caminando, vimos una pareja que estaban sentada en su patio, unos 20 metros hacía el fondo. Yo pensé contactarles, pero mi sompañero seguió de largo le seguía también. Al pasar yo la casa, fuertamente me vino la impresión de hablarles, y esta vez, lo seguí. Fuimos y hablamos, y ellos nos dejaron pasar. Compartimos un buen rato con ellos a cerca de la restauración, y me parecía que tenían mucha interés en lo que compartimos. Yo les testifiqué de una manera que nunca había hecho antes, y estoy seguro que ellos sintieron del Espíritu. Son muy buena gente, y sé que El Señor nos guiaba a ellos. Espero que progresen, pero sí no, estoy bien con mi mismo, por que sé que les dí la oportunidad de escuchar el evangelio.
Anyway, love you guys, have a good week, and sorry I wasn't able to write too much. The church is true and God loves you.
Elder Treviño
Elder Trevino
So this week was pretty awesome in many ways.
Monday we were up in Asunción as I commented last week, and we ate really good food. The night was pretty tranquilo. On Tuesday, I taught district meeting and the day was really good and we finalized some teaching things for our investigator Hugo. Wednesday was pretty uneventful. But on Thursday, we did the Baptismal interview with Hugo, and it went super well, and he passed. Then, later on Thursday, my comp and I were able to go to the Temple, to see the sealing of one of my comps converts from last year. It was really sweet, because now we can only go once a year, as far as a scheduled time, so I got to sneak a visit in. The temple is the coolest place ever. The sealing session was also really awesome. It was weird because I did not know the people, but it was still a good spiritual experience, and very motivating for me to want to be sealed as well. There really is no other option.
Friday was interesting, because we went to go a interview for some elders in my district, and the people weren't there, so we had to go back on Saturday. But Saturday was absolutely sweet. We don't have a lunch appointment on Saturday, so I decided to do Thanksgiving early. Oh. My. Goodness. I almost died, because the food was so good. It reminded me of how good the food from the states is. The cookies that you send me turned out really well, and all the food in general as well. We ate all the food, and it was a lot, but that's how thanksgiving is supposed to be. I will send photos.
We had the Marriage and Baptism of Hugo Flor, and his now wife, Andrea Pereira. It was a bit stressful getting everything ready, but in the end everything went really well. Hugo asked me to baptise him, and I did of course. It was great and flawless. my comp and I bought a cake as well, and it was really really really good, and not expensive. I will be sending photos. But really I'm really happy that everything went well with the baptism. Hugo and Andrea were very happy, and you will see that reflect in their photos. Hugo was a very golden investigator.
Remember how I said that a guy that tried to commit suicide found us? Well, we haven't been able to find him again. Well he found us, he gave us his address and nothing else. So we went to find him, and we couldn't locate his house so we started asking around, and we found is next door neighbor who was Andrea. We talked to her a little bit, left a pamphlet and set up a return appointment. When we went back, she said that her husband had read the pamphlet, who is Hugo. His Andrea was baptized when she was 10 and had been inactive, but she remembered much about the teachings and had been explaining to Hugo. Anyway, to make the story short, God lead us to Hugo through mysterious means, but that's how he works, and now Hugo got baptized.
Also this next week, Sabrina, who I believe I mentioned a while back, will be getting baptized as well. But sad news is that there are transfers this week and is pretty probable that I will be going. So I got a picture with her, and hopefully I will stay here, but I will find out tonight, and you guys will find out next week.
Anyway, that's the week in a nut shell. love you guys, have a good week.
Love,
Elder Trevino
December 1, 2012, a set on Flickr.
Elder Trevino's Thanksgiving, a wedding, and some baptism photos.
I also just went to the office this morning to get the Thanksgiving packages, so I got them, but still they are not opened. So I'm sure that what ever is in there is really nice and I'm happy for it. We also found a very classy restaurant in Asunción that is close to the mission office. They had a ton of different stuff ranging from sandwiches-tacos-pizzas-salads-soups and they had tons of desserts. It reminded me of a Higher class Toojays, that place in Florida that had tons of dessert stuff. I personally had tacos and New York style cheesecake, with a passion fruit smoothie. Very good.
But yeah, things here are going great in the mission and I feel like the more time I have the more that I grow and learn. Teaching now is so fluid, and it's very easy to apply the gospel to almost every situation, which is very helpful for finding new people to work with. Che aikua´a la Guaranime. Which means that I know Guaraní, but that's a lie. Guaraní is hard, and not too many speak it where I'm at so it has not been a focus for me. pero si sé hablar español como un mexicano. no se preocupen.
Also for Christmas- I was thinking that you guys could just call me from skype to my cell phone. That way I don't have to find a cybercafe that will be open on Christmas, and I can just chill in my house. And it would be fairly cheap. Think about it.
love you guys and have a good week
Elder Treviño
September - November 2012, a set on Flickr.
Elder Trevino's pictures from Paraguay, June - November 2012
Last Monday we played ping-pong, and soccer and I was really tired after. Then we got back to work as usual.
Tuesday was when the fun really started. So remember last week when I said that there was a guy that tried to commit suicide? So on Tuesday we went looking for his house, and we started just talking to his neighbors to see where he was at, and in the process we found the most golden investigators I have ever seen in the mission - his name is Hugo, and his girlfriend is Andrea. She is a less active from another ward, and they have been living together for about 5 years. Lately he has been trying to find purpose in life and knew that he could find it in God. Basically to make it short, he is going to get married and baptized here soon, and we went to church yesterday. I gave him a shirt and tie as a gift, and everybody thought that he was already a member. He loved going to church and has huge desires to go to the temple to go do work for his dad and to get sealed in the temple. Coolest guy ever.
Then the rest of the week went well, and we kept finding really qualified people to teach, which is a gift from God for our hard diligent work. He is blessing us a ton, and in turn we are just carrying out his work.
This morning we found a MMA gym, and one of the elders in my district is a ufc fighter, so we got permission and went and worked out and practiced fighting a bit, and wrestled a bit. then we went to BK. Successful day. So I'm sending pics today, watch out.
Have a good week!
Elder Treviño
During the week we worked pretty hard and we were having decent success. But I'm definitely noting the help of the Lord in our work. On multiple occasions, we encountered with people that were looking for us. On Wednesday, there is always futbol (soccer) at the church, and we usually go to plan things with ward members and youth and stuff. Anyway, a man showed up who had tried committing suicide the night before, but didn't go through, and decided to go look for help form the lord. He found the right place, now we are teaching him. Then yesterday during church, a young man showed up right before Priesthood started, and wanted to know more about the Book of Mormon. We still haven't been able to teach him, but it's a start. and other situations like that are starting to happen more and more. Definitely the fruits of hard work and trying to submit to will of the Lord.
The conference with Elder Bednar was absolutely one of the most spiritually powerful events that I have experienced before. First, on Saturday morning we got up at 4 in the morning to prepare, and to travel to a city called Fernando De la Mora, which is a two hour bus ride away. Anyway, all 400 missionaries from both the north and south missions were in attendance. As soon as Elder Bednar walked in, we all stood up and you could just feel the power of the spirit that was with him. Also, Elder Arnold, the President of the South America South Area was in attendance. The conference wasn't just him talking but more of a discussion in the which we were allowed to both answer and respond to questions. it was very awesome. He basically taught about being a worthy conduit to let the spirit testify en all moments, and to let the Spirit teach and not us. As well as letting our investigators be agents, and not objects, helping them act for themselves. Very good conference.
And we finally had some investigators in church this Sunday, so hopefully they will keep progressing so they can be baptized in November.
That's about it for this week. Have a good week you guys!
ELder Treviño
Things are going well here, as my new comp Elder Peterson and I are working really hard to have some success and help out the ward here, and so far things have been going well.
On Monday we got completely soaked from a rain storm that we got caught in but it was fun. Tuesday was a normal day but we were able to find two sweet investigators who seem to be progressing nicely. And Wednesday as well was pretty normal.
On Thursday there was a baptism/birthday party that we went to and we ate some hot dogs and cake, which was nice. Friday, we worked with the zone leaders in a trio and got some good work done, and also found some more people to teach, followed by a church soccer tournament to help support the ward and get funds for EFY for the youth to attend. On Saturday there was a big activity of the seminary students of the stake at our ward where we went out and did some proselyting. It was fun to see how nervous teenagers are, but I was able to help them out some as well.
Then yesterday, we went to go look for investigators in the morning and it was raining super hard, and we got soaked. And unfortunately there was nobody that was willing to go in the rain. So there was very little members in attendance as well.
So now I'm just enjoying p-day and resting up for the week. This Saturday, we have the great opportunity to listen to Elder Bednar who is coming to visit both the North and South Missions. So it will be a very edifying experience, I'm sure. Anyway, that's all that I got for you guys this week, have a good one!
-Elder Treviño
Things this week went really well. My new companion is from North Ogden, and we came together at the same time in the mission, so we are both experienced and our work this week showed that advantage. The district leading goes well. It's nice having someone else take over a bit of the responsibility, so I don't have to deal with everything.
Yesterday, we went to go visit one of our investigators, and we were going to see if she kept some of her commitments that we left her, as she had not been keeping them in the past, and if she had not kept them, we were going to drop her. So we go and it turns out that she wasn't there, but her daughter was, and she invited us to share with her anyway. So we sat out in the yard and started to get to know her and she started opening up a lot and she told us of a recent experience that had affected her greatly. She told us she wants to leave behind her past life and "empezar de nuevo" or to start fresh, and the start clean. So we taught her about baptism and stuff. it was cool to find her because we have been praying lately to find those who are prepared to recieve the gospel, and the Lord definitely heard us.
I like what you told me about what Elder Bednar taught, and it's really true, that most people don't get everything out of conference as they could. That's definitely some good advice.
As far as me coming home, i should be scheduled to leave on the 20 of June, and i will get home the 21 because of the length of travel. So I will get home on a Friday. As far as vacations, any of those sound good. I wouldn't mind going to Disney, either in Florida, or in Cali. But a cruise would be cool, and so would a church history tour. You guys decide, I'm really indifferent. but you could go to your conference thing and then we could go on the vacay, but it's up to you guys. That's basically all that i will say on the matter.
Conference was really great, I enjoyed Saturday a ton and was really uplifted and learned quite a bit. D Todd Christofferson's talk in the Priesthood session was great and I loved it. Sunday was really good as well.
Now the announcement from Pres. Monson was absolutely jaw dropping and I'm super excited for all of the youth that will be able to leave on missions. I think I will just wait a year when I come home and I can marry an RM...........anyway really exciting stuff. The temple announcements are also a great addition.
What did you guys think about Conference? Any favorite talks? Inspiring stories? I'm glad that you all enjoyed Maddox and ate some for me.
This past week I have been studying a lot in the Bible, and have been enjoying a lot of the directness from James and the other apostles and epistles. Especially James 1-22 that we need to be doers of the word and not hearers only, which was mentioned in Conference.
Anyway, we found out transfers today, and I'm staying and my comp is going. I'm not going to lie, I'm glad that its happening, I've been struggling a lot in the current situation with my district as well, and my district has quite a bit of changes as well. Anyway, my new comp will be Elder Peterson, who actually came with me from the MTC so I know him already. We will be co-district leaders which is cool as well. Being with two experienced Elders is always super effective.
Today during p-day I was walking around the city, and I found a super sweet suit store, and found one of the best looking suits that I have ever found, and it's not that expensive, so I think I will come back in like 8 months when I'm nice and skinny to go buy it. The suit that I came in is a complete joke, seeing as how I've lost so much weight. It looks like a parachute on me. Kind of embarrassing. Anyway, love you guys and I hope that you have a good week!
Elder Treviño
This week was a very interesting and non productive week. On Tuesday and Wednesday we had to move houses again, and I will send you the photos next week as I forgot to bring my camera. Thursday I went to do exchanges with an elder in my district, which actually did go very well. Friday, we didn't really work, and Saturday either. On Saturday, there was an activity, and it was fun to go too, but nothing special happened.
Today, however, was super sweet. We had a big meeting with all the leaders in the mission and Elder DiGiovanni of the Area Seventy and his wife came to talk with us and it was a super good meeting and I learned a ton from it.
I don't have much time to write, but I love you guys and I hope that you enjoy conference and Maddox this weekend.
Love you all!
-Elder Treviño
Last Monday was a pretty normal Pday. Like I said, we went to a fair thing and bought stuff, and that basically all that we did. We had some visits at night that went well and we had a good noche de hogar.
Now Tuesday was a really good day. I taught a good district meeting talking about diligence and obedience, which I hoped would help correct some of the problems we are having here in the district. Afterwards we had a really good lunch appointment to get us some good energy for work. We began working, which involved a lot of tracting and contacting as there is still not a whole lot to do here in the area, and it was pretty good. We talked with a lot of people and we were able to get a good amount of lessons taught as well. We found an older woman named Alejandra that weighs a good 350 lbs, and she has read the entire Book of Mormon wants to get baptized, but she can't walk, or get to church, so we are trying to figure out something with her. So the day wound on and we were getting toward the end, and my companion just wanted to go back home, but I kept wanting to work as we still had a good amount of time left. We contacted a lady, who wasn't too interested but gave us a reference to a house behind her. So we went and contacted it and I swear man, that the guy we found is pure gold. His wife as well. His wife has been searching for a church and asked God to help her a while back and she prayed before opening the bible and opened straight to James where it says "One lord, one faith, one baptism" or something like that, and she has been looking for the "one fatih" ever since. He is also trying to figure out what's up with his life recently, and we testified that it wasn't coincidence that we came when we did, and that we were guided there. He believed it was true and I'm sure he could feel the Spirit. So we left him a folleto and set up a return appoinment.
Wednesday sucked, and that's all I'm going to write.
Thursday was good but not nearly as good as Tuesday. We did a lot of return visits that we had set up on Tuesday and weeded out a lot of the not potential people and seeing who could really progress. We had another good lunch cita, which makes me happy.
Friday not good tampoco.
Saturday was really good as well and we got to talk to our golden investigator again. We didn't even get a chance to explain anything before he started asking us question on what he needs to do to repent and all that stuff. He is awesome, hopefully he keeps progressing.
On Sunday, we also had a broadcast stake conference for all the stakes in Paraguay and Uruguay. President Monson presided and Elder Walter F Gonzalez of the Presidency conducted. Some other people were there like Elder Neil L Anderson of the Twelve. Everybody spoke in Spanish except President Monson, but for that we went to another room that had the broadcast in English. All the talks were good and many people enjoyed it. I also saw many people from my old area because it's the same stake, so that was cool as well. After going back and doing studies, we left of divisions with Youth from the ward and we had a good time and got a ton of work done in between the 4 of us.
So yeah that was the week. I'm kinda struggling with my comp but I'm trying to work things out and see how I can help the situation. But over all I think all of the difficulties are helping me grow a lot. I feel that recently I have been learning a ton about myself and what i need to do in life personally, in the mission and for the real life. All really good things.
Also, in other news. The Local companion that I was with in Areguá, Ernesto Patiño got his mission call and will be going to the Mission Chile Santiago West, and will be going in November, so I was happy to hear about that. Cool stuff all around. So my week was really good in some aspect and not so hot in others but overall things are going well.
Also, 15 months.
Love you guys, have a good week.
Elder Treviño
Then on tuesday we had a zone meeting, instead of a district meeting, so i didnt have to teach, but now that i remember i had to teach a little bit anyway. We talked about a good many things, one of the which is what motivated us to come out on the mission, and what now motivates us to keep working. It was an open discussion within the zone, and ended up being more of a testimony meeting but it was good nonethe less and helped me to analyze and thing of what makes me tic. We then went out to work with a youth from the ward, and he showed us some more of the members and recent converts that we had yet to meet.
Wednesday, the zone leaders came to be with me, and some other elders in the district, and we left in trios to go work. Being in a trio absolutely screws a lot of things up but we got through it alright. nothing special.
Thursday, nothing special either but a good working day. My comp was really tired and said he would be sore the next day. I told him not to worry about it, but then....
Friday morning, my comp couldnt get out of bed and was having some strong back pain so he called the Mission Mom, and she called a doctor who is from the states and doesnt really speak spanish, but he managed to figure stuff out. Its was basically strained muscles, and pain killers would be the solution for the next couple of days. So we didnt work on friday, and on saturday not really either, but we did do a service project.
Then Sunday, was interesting....I dont really get along with the Bishop of the ward, just a difference in personalities i suppose, and when he doesnt agree he get mad and all up in your face. I asked him to print me off a list of members for reference and he didnt think it was expedient that we should have one and was all up in my face, but you know me i dont back down. Reminded me of the time Mr clark yelled and me and i yelled back. There was no yelling though. I try to be patient, and thankfully i am, so no problems. The Mission President also came to our chapel yesterday, and we had a small interview concerning the district, asking about current situations and things like that, and thankfully things are improving, but as always there is a long way to go. But yeah the week has been an improvement from last week, and hopefully things will keep improving.
Today we went to a cultural/city expo which is like the freedom fair in provo, whith booths and people selling stuff, and i bought some recuerdos. cool stuff. We are probably going to go back again because its close, and i want to see if there is anything else that i want to buy.
Anyway, i love you guys and i hope that you all have a good week!
Elder Treviño
So this week was very intersting. on monday we did the normal work thing. after pday. On Pday we hung out with my second companion Elder Cab from mexico, who was also comps with ELder macias the comp ive been with for the `past 3 weeks. We played some pingpong in the mission office, then we went to Pizza Hut. Not quite states quality but still really good after not have real pizza for the past year. Nothing else really happened, then we went off to work in the night. Then around 1015pm we got a phone call from the zone leaders informing us about changes....
And i got changed! Not really what i was expecting, and i wasnt too excited because i really like working in the last area, but its whatever the Lord wants. So i got transfered to an area called Juan de Salazar, which is just on the other side of the main city here, about 40 min away from my old area. so not too far way. My new comp is also from Mexico, but this time he is from Mexico City. His name is Elder Limón, and everyone makes fun of his name when he presents himself. its funny.
On tuesday, i went around and said goodbye to the members and recent converts here, which is always sad but is part of the work.
on wednesday i went to the office in the morning for changes. Nothing interesting happened, just normal routine of going and tlking with old friends saying goodbye to the old comp and getting with the new one, jumping in a sketchy taxi and going to the new area.
Now in my area, there were two dying elders(or to say they were ending their missions) and they were lazy and the house was a complete disaster. So i spent the entire firstday cleaning up the mess and reorganizing and all that stuff. The new area seems really great. THe ward is really well organized and many of the members are willing to work and help one another. really good to see. We rent a big room on the side of a bigger house complex, and the owner is a really good friend of the missionaries for the past 10 years and she owns a store with basic necesities, and we can go over whenver and buy stuff which is really nice and convenient. and she also has a GYM ROOM WITH WEIGHT AND EVERYTHING, so now im waking up like 30 min early so i can work out in the mornings. Ima get ripped. Ive already lost some weight. Im super excited to be able to lift again after lieka year and a half of not doing so. cool stuff.
on sunday we left on divisions with some young men on the ward who were helping us find some of the members ho we dont know, which was really nice and helpful as well. Im hoping to get some good work in with them.
Now for some not so good news. THe elders that are in my district, they literally live like 20 steps from my house, are pretty disobedient. which annoys me really bad, so now i have to babysit them, not really, but its difficult helping people who dont want to change either. so fun stuff, we will see how things go.
News on the street is that, Elder Bednar, or Elder Holland are going to be coming down to visit a couple of missions here in the south america south area in october or sometime around there. Kind of imtimidating seeing as how the mission is not doing so well as a whole. Its possible that i will have special meetings with them seeing as how im in a positions of lidership. So i need to make sure that im doing everything i can to help out, not just because they are coming, but because thats what the Lord expects of me.
I went to Burger King again today. super good. and i went and bought some souvenier stuff for the women of the family, and the next couple of week im going to buy stuff for the men of the family. Just so you know that im thinking about you guys.
On Tuesday we had Sone conference which went really well. President Madariaga talked about the difference between, doing, being, and becoming, and it was very good and applicable in many areas, not just in missionary work. The Hna Madariaga talked about the many opportunities that come form the mission and many of the blessings as well.
Me and my comp have been working hard these past couple of weeks to try and help our older investigators progress, but some circumstances outside of our control has lead us to dropping them, and trying another time, so we have been finding some newer investigators, which has been difficult but the ones we have found seem to be able to progress.
Our work was a little limited this week though as my comp shouldnt have been walking around after having got his wisdom teeth out but we worked when we could. This morning we are back in asunción because he got the stitches out. so we are thinking about going to Pizza hut, but we will see what time and money permits, as it is the end of the month and money is low.
Im happy that you found cinders again, i love that cat. Its possible that she is not eating becasue she might have a bug or something, so you might want to take her to the vet.
It got really cold this past weekend, as a big cold front came in, but things should be heating up now as we move back into spring. It will get very hot. like 105+ adding the humidity. fun stuff.
I was thinking, mom, about going to scholl the august i get back so that i keep myself busy, but the problem is that i have no idea what im going to do. I was thinking about retaking a lot of the classes that i got c´s in to raise my gpa, and help me to qualify for more scholarships in the future. So the spanish classes( which will be a breeze) some of the math classes, also the programming class, and whatever other one that i have a bad grade. It would be a full semester of just getting used to school again, and trying to figure out what i wasnt to so as far as work is concerned. I want to take a lot of those carrer interst tests that suggest what work field would be could based on interests and all those things, cause i really dont know what im going to do. Air Traffic Control still seems like a realy good option, plus i thinking doing ROTC with it would have its benefits, even though it would suck in some other ways. But i am definitely going to work at my financial job when i get back while looking for some other small side jobs.
anyway enough of that. anyway, love you guys, have a good week and enjoy spencer´s baptism and the temple open house!
on my end, the week was very interesting..... On Monday night, we got a phone call from the Mission President, notifying us that my comp, Elder Sanderson, was going to serve as the new financial secretary and that he needed to report to the office on Wednesday. So once again, I would get a new comp. Luckily this time it's another missionary, but the weird part is that we are now co district leaders....so it's kinda making me go crazy thinking about what is going to happen with the real changes that are going to happen at the end of the transfer period. Many Elders are going home 2-3 weeks early for school, and it's messing everything up. so I could get transferred this week, or in 2, or I could stay and keep doing whatever I do here. So I'm interested to see what will happen.
On Tuesday there was a double homicide here in my area, which caused some interesting working conditions on Thursday, but it also opened up opportunities for us to teach. So yeah that's all I really got. Amanda's Note: Who caused this double homicide? I bet it was Tony. And then everyone was so scared of him, they HAD to let him teach them. That's some thinking outside the box missionary work right there, Elder Trevino!
The week other than the changes was pretty normal. My new comp is ELder Macias, he is from Cali. He has 21 months in the mission. It's interesting have two experienced missionaries, but it's also fun because we know how to teach effectively and work well, so it makes it easier on that end.
As far as answering Mom's questions, being a district leader is nothing weird, just more responsibility and having to instruct and lead other missionaries in their work efforts. Nothing special.
That makes me really happy that Rob is waiting for another mission call. I was kinda worried for a little bit. Stupid Cinders running away... oh well. And no I have not gotten my stuff yet. It might be in the office but I have not had a chance to go and the internal mail has not got to me yet. But I don't really got nothing else to add. Have a good week!
Monday, was my last pday with my local companion, and we played some good old futbol. Then at night we had another noche de hogar, and taught some of our investigators.
On Tuesday, i taught district meeting as normal, but afterwards we had lunch as a district, and we decided to make tacos. Everybody brought something. I of course did the refried beans ( they were super delicious and tasted exactly like how dad makes them, the cheese helps that out, but it cost a ton here) And some others brought the meat, some salsa, and tortillas, and soda. It was pretty chill and good as well. Then going out to work was pretty normal. My comp said goodbye and we just kept working like normal. The last visit of the night was with our recent converts, Carmen and her kids, and it was super funny, cause my comp was arguing with them and telling stories and all that good stuff in Guaraní, which is a hilarious sounding language.
On Wednesday, we woke up early and took a taxi to the mission office, where all the transfers took place, and finally I got a real companion. His name is Elder Sanderson, and he is from Saratoga Springs, Utah! My first comp from Utah too. so its interesting and we are able to relate about stories and stuff like that. Wednesday was a really boring working day, and we got a little bit lost on our area but it was fun igual (too).
On Thursday, we had a really really goood working day and we were able to get all of our goals and find some sweet new investigators to teach. We really felt that the Lord was preparing some of them as the situations in which we found them were super perfect. We will see how they progress.
Friday was also pretty good and we are helping one of our investigators plan a wedding and a baptism. Good stuff, we see how that turns out as well. We went with a member to go find a less active member and we had an interesting visit, as we had to explain to her that she is not doing a good thing by going to the Catholic church again. She didn't get mad, and she understood, but it was just kind of weird.
Saturday, was a really good day as well and once again we got our goals and found even more new investigators to teach. We found some other less active members as well so hopefully we will have some more people going to church in the near future.
Yesterday was tranquilo (calm), and today as well. We played some more futbol. I scored a couple of goals. so, I'm kinda a big deal. People know me.
Anyway so I'll answer some of the questions that mom had, I don't really want a room with crap all over it, just leave it brown and boring, and when I get back we will figure something out. But I like Moroni 10:32-33 and favorite hymns include, Jesus, Savior Pilot Me; You Can Make the Pathway Bright; and Abide with Me ´Tis Eventide.
You can refer Tyson to the blog if you want, I will try to see if I can come up with something. Tell Tori to keep her cool and enjoy the temple, that she won't understand that much at first, but it will come with time. And the talk by Elder Holland that you shared is one of my favorite talks from last conference.
Anyway, have a good week guys.
-Elder Treviño
Tuesday, was decent, no real stories, wednesday nothing. Thursday i went and did a baptismal interview for the hermanas that are in my district, and it went well, but took out a good chunk of time. Friday nothing really happened either.
Saturday, we went and helped set up a baptism for the zone leaders who also use the same chapel. Pretty boring but good. Im the omly one that has the keys to the baptistry, so i needed to be there. We then left with some ward leaders and had ward counsel while the other elders did the baptismal service. Then we went home and chilled. I then got a call at 930pm, and the zone leaders said i needed to go to the chapel immediately. But there are very few buses at that hour. So we got redressed and ran 5 blocks to the bus station, and about one block away from getting there a bus leaves!!!! so we kept running and thankfully the druver saw us and stopped. So we get to the chapel, and there was water everywhere, because the other elders forgot to turn off the water to the font......... so we cleaned up for about an hour then went back home at like 1130, i was super tired.
Yesterday was boring, but this morning we played some good old soccer, which was super fun, but now im tired. We find out the changes today as well! im thinking that i am going to train again, but we will see what happens.
thanks and have a good week.
Thursday I did a division with another Elder in my district, who is going home in two weeks, so he was kinda getting ready to go, but luckily he had been in my area before and helped me find some other members that I still didn't know as well as some older investigators. Overall it was a good day.
On Friday, we did the real baptismal interview for Alfredo with the zone leaders, and he passed! So afterwards, me and my comp went to the chapel and emptied the font, cleaned it, then filled it back up, which took like 6 hours.....
Then on Saturday, we had the wedding of Cynthia, and Alfredo! Then the Baptism! It was all super sweet, but it was really cold outside. And the water was cold too. But it was good. I will send you photos today. I also paid for the wedding with personal money, so I'm kinda broke.... anyway I will get the photos heading your way.
On Sunday, there was very few people in church, but out in Isla Valle, where we are trying to open up a branch, there was about 46 people, which was more than there was in the actual Capilla. Very cool.
Anyway, that was my week, have a good week you guys!!!!!
SO, last monday was normal and we didnt do anything exciting. Or so i thought. At around 945 at night, we got a phone call from President and he had made special changes to our area..... my comp would be leaving and going to the office, but, President didnt know who would be my new companion.........
Tuesday. I taught a sweet district meeting and then we went around and my comp said goodbye to some families and investigadores and all that.
Wednesday- I went with my comp to the office in the morning, wondering what the deal was with my comp to be. We get there and President informed me that i would be with a local missionary for the next 3 until there are changes again and there are sufficient missionaries to make proper changes. So i waited there for him to show up. ANd waited, and waited. And he didnt show. so pres sent me back to my area to be in a trio with othere elders that live close by. Being in a trio is a disaster. Wednesday we got nothing done.
Thursday. We also got nothing done because i got sick. I had a fever, and a killer headache, and a nausea that i could not bear. we went to try and work but with all that was going on i couldnt deal with it.
Friday. I got a call in the morning from president, and he told me to get to the office as quick as possible, so i called a fat taxi guy that we usually use and i went. I got with a local comp and his name is ernesto Patiño. He is cool and really tall. Work aon friday was kind of lame though seeing as how im still new to the area and we were working in an area that i dont really know, but it was still good. We had a good dinner appointment as well.
Saturday. In the night i suppose my sickness was still having a hold on me or that i ate something bad, but i got up 6 times in the night to go to the bathroom. Lets just say that the sight wasnt pretty. Work was alright.
Sunday. Normal sunday here in Areguá. We had our two sacrament meetings, and we have started sunday school and primary at the branch we are trying to create. I pulled a sweet lesson about obedience our of my butt. Im a pro.
Monday(today). I went to the leadership meeting that there is at the begining of every month. Normally only the zone leaders go, but today the District leaders came as well. Wasnt anything exciting, we played soccer after and had a good time. THe bus ride back was terrible and we knocked a window off of another bus. cool stuff.
That's all i really got for the week. Mom, you have to remember that i need stuff to share to you guys when i get back and all that stuff. I got the package from amanda today and one of the proteins. THANKS GUYS I LOVE YOU ALL
have a good week.
-Elder Treviño
Elder Trevino and his new companion, Elder Jacob Dayley from Idaho.
