Called to Serve

October 23, 2016

Our mission has a lot of different facets but the real neat part of our mission is that we are called to serve.  We do a lot of different things but the thing we like the most is when we are with the missionaries.  This was one of those weeks.  On Monday, we needed to deliver a mattress and other stuff to Durazno so we took advantage of this and inspected all of the houses.  We were impressed with the cleanliness of the houses.  They have really been working.

Taking Elders Guerra and Holland to Oro Conference

The new missionaries were coming back in for training on Tuesday so we were able to bring Elder Guerra and Holland back from Durazno.  This saved them a 4:00 A. M. appointment with a bus.  We also stopped off and picked up Elder Peterson and Batte.  It was too late to get a picture of them, but we all enjoyed a big hamburger in San Ramon.   The hamburgers or milanesas here include assorted vegetables and meat that have different seasonings from mild to real hot.  It is an adventure every time we eat.  Tuesday we spent most of the day helping with the conference.  It was another good chance to be around the missionaries.

Nothing like ice cream on a cold, rainy day 

Wednesday was another eventful day.  It rained all day which always makes things more fun.  When it rains it is cold even though the temperature may be in the 60’s.  We had to go to Los Ceibos to buy some supplies to fix a house.  We ended up putting bags of sand, cement and other stuff in the back of the van.  On the way home we dropped off a new cell phone to the sisters.  They were right by a shopping mall so we took advantage of it and went to McDonalds for ice cream.  I think you need to be from Utah or Idaho to eat ice cream when it is cold.  The Uruguayos look at us like we are crazy, and we probably are.

Visiting the Zone Leaders in Melo.  Elder Padilla goes home this week and Elder Montiel is coming to work in the office

Thursday was a big day.  We had to go to Melo which is about 400 kilometers away to look at a new house to rent.  The Zone Leaders from Melo were in Montevideo for training so we took them home with us.  Again, this saved them quite a bus ride.  I think they especially liked the fact that Renee packed a lunch for them.  It was fun to talk to Elder Montiel and Padilla.  Elder Padilla goes home from a successful mission this week and Elder Montiel is being transferred to be a finance clerk in the office.  You may remember that Elder Montiel was one of the missionaries in Castillos when we first arrived so we know him real well.  We are looking forward to the next six months.  On the way home we also needed to stop in Lescano to check on a house.  This is about 30 minutes off the main route which adds some extra time.  But the road is terrible.  Remember the pictures of us driving through the river?  Well this is the road.  It was not flooded this time but the potholes are terrible.  As we were bumping along, hoping not to have the car fall apart, Renee remarked that we might find a car or two in the holes.  I think we actually drove over a couple of them and that made the road a little smoother.  I don’t care if I don’t ever go over that road again.

Friday we did a lot of office work and got ready for Saturday.  Saturday was a big day.  First, we had to do our weekly cleaning of the apartment.  This doesn’t take too long but when you add my haircut and a few shirts to iron in the mix it is a busy morning.  Renee spent the morning getting ready to feed Elder Rodriguez and Caudle as Elder Rodriguez leaves the office this change.  I hope you can see just how much fun the missionaries are.  They make us feel young and part of the group.  Elder Rodriguez came into the office a little apprehensive about his assignment.  He soon settled in and made his mark in the office, just like the others.  We are going to miss him.

After lunch we had to go to the Capilla Abierta in Belloni.  It was the best one yet.  The members were really involved as were the missionaries.  Elder Parmenter and Elder Johanson, along with Brother Garasa stayed in the street all night and invited people to come into the open house.  In total, 24 non-members attended and had the opportunity to learn more about the Church.  It was exciting!  The Chapel was full all night with people that had come to learn about the Savior.  We can’t wait to hear how they have progressed.

Today we went to Toledo to do the presentation for the Capilla Abierta for them in two weeks.  What a warm and friendly branch.  They have a beautiful chapel and the members are exceptionally warm and friendly.  We had a good time and can’t wait for the open house.  We finished off the day with lunch with the sisters.  Sister Gambarte goes home this week.  She is from the Guaymallen ward in Mendoza, Argentina.  I served in this ward for five months on my mission 42years ago.  She is a special sister and has served well.

One of the things we have learned while we have been in Uruguay is just how difficult it is to serve.  Too often there are missionaries with health problems that are unable to stay even though they really want to.  The physical challenges of a mission are great and too often the missionaries are not able to keep up with the strain.  One of our favorite missionaries had to go home last week as the challenges to their health were too great.  They left with a resolve to get well and return.  We have had some that are able to come back and that makes us really happy.  One of the things I have learned is how hard it is to go on a mission.  But, it is many times more difficult to come back after going home for health reasons.  Those that are able to return seem to be some of the very best.  Passing the test twice makes them much stronger and able to serve.  Of course any time we are able to see the missionaries succeed it makes us real happy.

Another week has gone by with the opportunity to grow and learn.  We are learning so much.  Just like the young missionaries the work does take its toll.  So far we are holding up pretty well and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.  We love you all and look forward to hearing from you.

Love,
Gordon and Renee