Argentina Day 7

Today, we got up and went to the Stake Meeting that Elder Cook was supposed to come to. It was still a good meeting with good talks. I saw some members of the Belgrano Ward that I had worked with, and also ran into Hno. Marcovich from Bariloche who had moved there with his wife not too long ago. It was great to see the Sepulvedas there dressed up in their suits and loving being there. We stayed after and talked to several people, and got a warm reception there. It was transfer time, so the missionaries were taking pictures and saying their goodbyes.

After church, we went up to the flag on the hill. It wasn’t as windy, but still a bit gloomy. We got some good pictures overlooking the city. As we came back down, we noticed a large group of people in front of the Catholic church. We decided to park and walk around for a bit. Turns out the were doing a march for Jesus where they would march around the two sides of the separated street. They sang songs, repeated words, and marched with Jesus. It was neat to see that—I was not exposed to a lot of catholic worship on my mission. After observing for a while, we went and ate lunch at a nice restaurant in Centro. I know people say that Argentine food isn’t unique or good or whatever they say, but I love the stuff!

We slept a siesta because we were all exhausted from our travels and visits, so we got to recharge a bit. We then went back up to Centro to meet up the Tamara and her husband. There is a nice evening artisan feria downtown, so we met up with them and walked through looking at all the goods. Tamara is awesome—the girl is so positive and happy, and very gregarious. I had made photocopies of several letters she sent me after I left Allen that talked about her conversion and faith. I gave her the copies to try and spark her to start thinking about things again. She is pregnant and so they’ll be having lots of changes soon. Her husband was such a nice guy too, so I am very happy for them. Again, I really feel that she and her family will come back to the church. Someday. I’ll be here sending her messages every now and then until that happens.

On our way to the Sepulveda’s, we decided to swing by Ezequiel’s house.  We rang, and the dad opened the door and didn’t really see who it was other than it was a terrible accent. I asked for the Hermana or Ezequiel. He kinda grumbled then went and got his wife, thinking I was just a member of the church or something. Then, the Hermana came out and turned on the light and just erupted into an enormous smile and hug. It was awesome to reconnect! She invited us in and got Ezequiel. The hermano came into the room and was very cordial with us as well. It was a very solid visit. She is going to retire soon and so she won’t have to work Sundays all the time, meaning she will be able to go to church. I was really glad we could get in touch with them as I had not been able to through Facebook.

We then went to visit the Sepulvedas again. That family is so awesome. Matias was there with his wife this time, and we were able to have a good chat. Matias and his future wife were so cute. We talked to them about getting her baptized and getting married and they both said that that is their end goal. They have a cute little girl. They’ll come back—they’ve got the goal to, and Matias knows its true. We also found out that Felito was going to go to Pioneros in Barioloche to be a mini- missionary! Awesome. We’ve just got to get him out on the real thing now. He’ll be there the full transfer, so that will be very good for him.

I am so happy for the opportunity I had to be the Sepulveda’s missionary and for the relationship we have. They are incredible people with a very strong sense of determination. I am so happy they were able to go and be sealed in the temple. They have had many miracles happen for them, and I know they will continue because of their great faith.