Week 42 - Baptism Week in Argentina then I'm out!

Well, we got our changes this week. I've had a really good time in Concepcion del Uruguay in Argentina, and it`s always rough to say goodbye, but at the same time I`m really excited for what this next change is going to give me. I`m going to a place called Tranqueras in the department of Rivera. My companion is going to be Elder Moreno, a Brazilian guy, so I'm excited to maybe be able to learn some more Portuguese! He just barely finished his training so he has around 3-4 months in the mission counting the MTC time right now. Also, I`m going into Rivera as a District Leader. I was really surprised by that, but at the same time, I am quite excited for the opportunity!

This week we didn't do a whole lot, but one cool thing is that we had divisions this week. I was working with Elder Nelson, my District Leader, and it was super fun and a super good day. The best part was that we did the baptismal interview of F. during the divisions and he passed perfectly. He answered every single question so well and I was so impressed with his memory and his decision and faith to get baptized. We've only been teaching him for a short period of time but he really has become converted. He's received answers to prayers, reads the Book of Mormon, and comes to church every week.

Then this Saturday we had F.'s baptism!  It was super awesome; some of his family members came too and it was super cool. I got to do the baptism and it was actually kind of rough because I couldn't lift him out of the water after I baptized him. He is a bigger guy honestly, but it all turned out alright in the end! Then later that night we went fishing with all the kids that are friends with F. and down in that neighborhood. It was super fun.

F. came for his confirmation on Sunday, and Elder Johnson did it with President Lescano and I there also. It was super great that after all this time in this area without a baptism and confirmation to get that right before having to leave.

Well I don't have much time this week for now but that's pretty much it. Love you all!

Nos vemos!

-Elder Martin

 

Bryant and Elder Johnson helped to make and distribute a bunch of "tortas fritas"

to help raise money for a sister in the ward with some health problems

F.'s baptism

  

Night fishing with the neighborhood kids

Last pic of his Paysandu Zone before he left

      

Bryant purchased his new favorite treat at the cyber cafe so he could show them to me.

This is an alfajor - 3 cookies layered with dulce de leche between them, and covered in a powdered sugar glaze.  Holy sugar rush, ha ha!  I told him to bring home a suitcase full next year!