Week Twenty-Nine

Hola!

I'm really sorry to be replying so late but trust me, I don't like it either. What happened was we had a zone meeting in the morning in Cordoba, the capital which is about an hour and a half away. It was super fun, we played soccer and ate Argentina style pigs in a blanket. But than we had to leave early cause we scheduled an appointment with an investigator because it was the only time they could in the middle of P day, which we had planned before we knew we had to go to Cordoba for the meeting. Anyways, we got to the bus terminal in Cordoba just to find out that the next bus was at four which is a problem when the appointment was at 430 and the ride is an hour and a half. Ya we missed the visit even though we tried to call them as well. So we came
back and went to another appointment we had and taught a lesson and now we are writing home. Not a fan of this split of crazy traveling P day but it was super fun to be with the zone. It's weird becuase in this zone we only have 8 latinos which is weird because in the last zone was the opposite with only a few gringos. I'll be honest, I miss being surrounded by latino missionaries. It really helps the spanish.

Anyways let me tell you about this little town, Oncativo. It's little, and a lot of the people have heard about or have talked to missionaries before, but we are working hard to find the hidden treasures of those that are ready. We started working with this old investigator, Juan and ran into some trouble. He is an old grandpa but he lives alone and for this we can't enter his house to teach but we can teach him out in his yard. So we passed by on Tuesday and it was raining and thought we could at least make an appointment for later. But he wanted us to enter his house because that's what the hermanas before did. So we tried to explain that it was a rule and he was all offended thinking it was a lack of respect. So the next day we went by with the district
leaders in case we had to enter the house and they tried to explain as well. Which went over pretty well. Or so we thought till we went by again and he was mad saying that our boyfriends had said we can't enter his house. Talk about a confussion! So we explained again and taught him a lesson. Then we went by the next day and he asked us to enter his house again and got really offended and said it was because of those muchacos and he doesn't want us to come by again. We were really shocked. And it's hard because we are dying to teach him but we don't know what else to do. We just pray that his heart will be softened and that we can continue to teach him outside. And for me, it's a trial of faith that in this difficult area we need miracles and
for this we need to be obedient and have faith that this will work out in the Lords time and that maybe the miracle won't be with him but it will be in this work.

We are working hard to do everything we can and know that God is with us helping us. We've had hard days but we still see the miracles and blessings that are happening.

In this town we walk because it's small about 30 min end to end by foot, and the church is in an old house turned into church. This ward has a lot of great members and we just need to help guide them and get them involved in this work. Well I don't have much time but I love you all and hope that you take the time to recognize the blessings in your life this week because we are truly blessed every day.

Con mucho amor,

Hna Potrie

Week Twenty-Eight

Hola,

Thanks so much for the photos. I can't believe how big Kesler is - such a cutie pie. Love that little man and all of you for that matter. And the big news, I got transferred to a new area Oncautivo! It's about 2.5 hours north of Bell Ville and a lot closer to the Capital Cordoba. It's a small little town again which I'm grateful for. I'm with a new companion Hna Waters. She's from Twin Fall Idaho, and this is her last transfer in the mission. The apartment is a little smaller and dirtier because it used to be an elders apt not to long ago. We are white washing the area. Which means we're both new. Hna Waters had about 3 days last week to sort of get to know the area before I showed up this morning. It's a very small branch with about 5 active families. But I have faith that we can find those whom the Lord has prepared for us. Vamos a tener excito! (We are excited!) We are going to have sucess!

I'll be honest, it was a bit hard to say good bye to the wonderful people of Bell Ville I really feel a lot of love for them. When Hna Elena found out I was leaving she called us and invited us to have asado last night at her place. It was a really nice good bye and it was hard to hear her ask to never forget her. I don't think I ever can. She really helped me grow as a missionary as I realized the power my words can have when I speak by the power of the spirit.

The past week we had a lot of problems with our bikes not working and flat tires, but the Lord blessed us to be in the right time as always. I've been trying to improve my contacting skills and this last week I felt the help of the Lord. We were looking for a reference but I couldn't find the number so I stopped to ask a family that was siting outside there house. And low and behold it was the house I was looking for but the other family had moved about 3 weeks ago. So we started talking and they asked why I was looking for this person and I explained how we're missionaries. And they asked why I gave up everything to serve a mission and I shared testimony of Jesus Christ and I felt the words just flow out of my mouth about how the Savior changed my life and that He can change their lives to. The lady wanted to know how and she invited us in to explain. She suffers from depression, but within the week I could see a light come into her eyes as we would pass by and teach her and as she was reading the scriptures and praying. It was a miracle before my eyes. The last day she was smiling and talking with us. I know this gospel can change lives because it's centered on Jesus Christ. He has the power to heal any broken heart. I love my Savior. He changed my life and I feel more peace everyday because of Him.

I send you all my love and hope you all have a fantastic week.

Love Hna Potrie

Week Twenty-Seven

Hola!

News flash, time is flying in the mission! It's almost been 6 months, not that I'm counting, but whole guacamole only a year more to enjoy this wonderful work of the Lord. I'm glad to hear you had a great time in Vanderhoof with Ammon, Tyanna, Kesler and Tacey. And happy belated birthday Kesler!!!!! I love that little guy so much and hope he is growing big and strong like his papa. I also got to enjoy some delicious pizza last night with my convert Elena. She is such a sweet lady and loves to cook. And makes really good food so we're always happy to eat it for her. It was so amazing to also hear her testimony in sacrament meeting. She is learning and growing so much. She loves to read and prepare for the gospel essentials class and she loves to learn about the temples. I pray that she will follow her goal and go through the temple. She is an amazing woman and will always have a very special place in my heart.

I also got to see Enzo another convert pass the sacrament for the first time!!! He was so excited and watching him in his suit and white shirt and tie it was a sense of joy that was eternal that he is changing his life and such a great example for his family. He will be a great missionary some day.

We also have been having great lessons with Luis this week. We talked with him about the word of wisdom and it was perfect because he was saying before we started teaching that he knows those things are bad and that he needs to change. The Lord has truly prepared him. He is working on his goals everyday. We got to meet his daughter Gianella, 4, and his son Gino, 2, and he has down syndrome. They are so adorable and the daughter bore her testimony. Ya! First time in the church and she talked with my comp about how she wants to speak and share how she feels the love of God and knows that he helps her in her life. WOW So powerful! It was a great day and I just wanted to soak in every good moment of it.

We had a baptism with Gianella. Of course with more difficulty from Satan. The power in the chapel has been cut off because they forgot to pay the bill. It's because the bill goes to a office in a different city and the person was on holidays. Really not surprising. I'm learning that things like not having power for no apparent reason are very common in Argentina. So anyways we had to change the hour for the baptism to much earlier to have the light in the church from outside. Other than that, all went smoothly and so happy for her. She's a tough little 9 year old and she even biked alone 17 blocks to the church so that she could be confirmed and receive the gift of the holy Ghost. So amazing. We're trying to work with her mom to help her receive the gospel as well.

We've also been making progress with Natalia and her daughter Maria Luz. We've been teaching with the Elders because it seems to function better with her and we've put a baptismal date for the 17th! Which is a miracle the members told us she would never be baptized. Oh ye of little faith. Miracles truly happen. We've come to learn that although lots of missionaries have talked with her, they hadn't taught her because she says that she knows all about the church but she's only gone to activities and never really learned the doctrine or exercised to faith to know these things. I know that if this is really something she wants in her life it will happen.

Well Just a warning next week is transfers and I'm not sure what will happen. I've been here in Bell Ville for three transfers and usually around 3 or 4 we get transferred to a different area so I don't know. But if I don't email, it's because of transfers just so your not worried.

I pray that all is well with everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Con Amor, (with love)

Hna Potrie