Thursday, August 9, 2012

August Zone Conferences


It was during this first zone conference in August that we were able to get to know the missionaries a little bit better.  Zone Conferences are a wonderful time to learn, to feel the spirit and to be strengthened by each other.  We have nine zones in our mission.  We only see most of the missionaries every six weeks because our mission is so large geographically.


 Bariloche Zone


Caleta Olivia Zone


Comodoro Zone


 Neuquén Zone


Trelew Sur Zone


Trelew Norte Zone

Zapala Zone


Neuquen Oeste Zone


Roca Zone


Zone conferences are a time to learn. 



Zone Conferences are a time to eat!


Mama Olga is famous in Roca for taking care of the missionaries.


She brings her glass dishes to the church to make is special for the missionaries. 


There are even a few leftovers to enjoy!


 Each trip to see our missionaries means days and days of driving.


Keeping two mattresses securely fastened to the car with all the crosswinds is not an easy task!


October is when all the fruit trees blossom.  The Neuquén region is famous for its fruit.


One of the struggles of the mission is problems with visas.  This time we were the lucky ones. After a year of waiting in our mission for his visa we were able to tell this wonderful Elder that he is now permanently assigned to our mission!



The Zone Leaders arrange for lunch during Zone Conferences.  Many times a member will help them but we always have lots of good food!


When I saw these Elders together they said they were the Elders with the least amount of hair. They had gone to get President Lovell to be part of the group!


It is so fun to see the Missionaries enjoy being together.







After a wonderful day together they go out and do what they do best.  They share the gospel with those who are ready listen.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

The Faithful and the Reinforcements


One of our favorite parts about being on a mission is getting to know the wonderful missionaries.  When it came time for transfer week I felt a little surprised that these missionaries were already going  home. I just got to know them!  In our mission we call the missionaries that are going home "Los Fieles" which means "The Faithful".


Going to the airport is an amazing task with this many missionaries and this much luggage!


We were so lucky that the wonderful assistants, Elder Page and Elder Queirolo, knew exactly what to do.



There were lots of goodbyes and lots of promises to stay in touch.  Good luck as you each take the next step in your life!


The thing that helped us feel better is that that very night we went to the airport to pick up the  "Los Refuerzos" which means "The Reinforcements".  It was so fun to get to know them and feel of their enthusiasm.


This is Lorena.  She is a very important part of transfer week.  She cooks delicious food for everyone at the mission home.  She also loves being with the missionaries and helps everyone feel welcome.


After a day of learning all about the mission "Los Refuesos" left with their trainers ready to be missionaries.