Argetina Day 8

Allen visits—Chacra, lunch etchegaray, Marquez, Octavio, Tagle Dinner

Today was our last day in Neuquen/Allen. We started off the day by driving through the Chacra-- the orchards where Argentina grows TONS of apples, pears, and grapes. It was a bit dreary since we were there in the late fall, but it was an entertaining drive none the less.

We had lunch with the Etchegaray family. They are such a loving family who are very receptive to missionaries and had a very special connection with my companions and me. They fed us a classic Argentine lunch-- fideos con tuco (noodles with sauce- its typically chicken and home made tomato sauce) I shared a message with them that I had prepared, and gave them an Elder Jensen plack and a pair of old shoes. I challenged Cristian to go on a mission, a challenge that he accepted. My parents and Hayley loved seeing me in missionary mode as I taught and challenged this family. On the way out, we got to sign the pillar outside their door where all the elders who had come to their house signed. My dad and Hno. Etchegaray both got pretty emotional as we said our goodbyes, and Dad promised them that when they get married in the temple that he would make sure that I would be there. That was a very special promise. 

Our next stop was at my old ward mission leader's house that he had just finished building. He and his wife are very gregarious people and were thrilled to have us in their home. We decided to try Mate, a classic Argentine drink made of dried herbs. It is in that cup, and the host fills it with hot water. The cup is then passed around as people take turns drinking it through the same straw. Mom, Hayley, and I all went for it, with mixed reactions as seen below:

The area that the Morenos live is called a Toma, which means 'to take.' Essentially, people go and set up camp on land that is owned by the government. As soon as they start building, the land is theirs. As you can see in the pictures, the homes are crudely constructed and it looks like a poor neighborhood. However, many of the people here do have good jobs and are good neighbors. I'm happy that the Morenos are doing so well and that we got to visit them!

Our next stop was to the Marquez family. I had an extremely close relationship with this family, and really served as a father figure/older brother to them. We had miracles happen on a weekly basis as we taught this family, from the way we found them, to healings, to incredible spiritual experiences. They are some of the most important people to me in Argentina, and I was so grateful to be able to visit them. The were equally as excited to see me! Gonzalo, in the white shirt, has been going to church still with one of his friends. I encouraged him to keep going, and to bring the rest of his family with him. This family has suffered great challenges, and it pained me to hear what they had gone through. I tried my best to uplift them and bring the spirit back into their home. I just hope and pray that they will come back and bring the gospel back into their lives. 

It was a very good day in Allen, my second home. As always, it was hard for me to leave, but we're going to Bariloche tomorrow!!