Argentina is very very different . . . I've heard that you can't truly understand a country until you actually live in it. However I still don't understand it all --obviously, since I've only been here one week. Everybody smokes here-- and I now know why that Returned missionary at the MTC said to be careful. It's nothing too bad but there are people that REALLY hate gringos because of the war of England and Argentina. So there are many who literally hate people that speak English. I haven't had any serious problems cuz the natives say I look like a Latino-- which is pretty good ha ha!
So, the other night I heard GUNSHOTS super close to me and couldn't fall asleep for a while after that. Seriously they were SOO close and I thought they were on the street by our apartment. I was told that this area is safe but guys with guns can go wherever they want.
The people though are actually really nice. Especially the members. I just can't go in red zones. The food is actually really good too. Not exactly what I expected but good and I'm super grateful for it.
We just helped an old man walk to his apartment for the past 30 minutes and he wants to know about the church. He has super bad knees and so we said a prayer that he could heal and he started crying. He said he felt really good around us and that he was very grateful for the prayer.
People are very blunt here. If they don't like something about you they'll tell you ...like "I hate your country" or "this food is crap" right in front of the person who made it.
My first lesson was with an investigator who's getting divorced from her husband. Her name is Carrina and she has 2 daughters. She's addicted to marijuana and can't stop but is wanting to come to church. Her daughter is soo mean to her though. She's mad that her mom smokes (although she can't help it cuz my companion said that when people stop they go crazy basically.) So the daughter takes her drugs and throws them on the table while were teaching her! She's 12 years old and the other daughter is 6 and she doesn't talk to her. Please pray for this family. It's the saddest thing I've seen---Especially seeing it right in front of my face. She was crying really hard the other night and so we told her that God can heal her and help her overcome her addictions through His atonement.
Oh ya my apartment is not the best. As long as I have fairly hot water and my sleeping bag +food/water I'm good. All the people in my apartment are Latinos and don't know any English. But it's good because I've already learned a lot of Spanish. I can definitely see how I'll learn the language so I'm not worried about it at all. Its just the castellano (pronounced custajano). It's sooo thick and heavy! It's very hard to understand! And ya they speak muy rapido. It's not fair but they say Americans do the same thing so it's ok --LOL.
My companion is at his last transfer and is from Columbia. Super hard worker but he's a really chill guy. He's always telling me how to stay safe and what to do If I ever got robbed. God is good! I know He's looking out for me and will forever and always as I serve Him!
We had about 60 people at church in a fairly big chapel. They do sacrament at the end so people will stay though!
Here are some answers to dad's questions:
- How was your ward? Is it large or small? Are there other missionaries in the ward with you?
about 60 people and just the ones in my apartment are the ones serving in our ward.
- How is your apartment? Are you living with other missionaries or just you and your companion?
To be honest, it's very dirty and small but I'm grateful cuz there are worse ones. There is me and 3 other latinos that don't speak any English.
- Who have you taught? Did you understand the language at your first lesson? Were you able to speak?
Many investigators and members. People are very accepting of hearing what we have to say at most times.
- What are your plans for prep day? Does everyone play 'football'?
ya everybody will usually play futbol which I'm doing after this and getting some food!
- Are you able to work out or use your workout bands? How about a pull-up bar? YES THAT'S ALL I HAVE! the doors don't even have room to put a pull up bar on and I'm getting into my system of using them! Thank you thank you thank you!
- Any names of people we could pray for?
Carrina and her family. Please pray to help her overcome drugs! Pray that her daughter Carri will be more kind too :)
I miss and love you all soo much! Till next email!
Elder Kohler Chamberlain
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