Bendciones de Aimogasta

January 10, 2022

Hola Hola !!!

It was another fantastic here in Aimogasta, probably the fastest one yet! It has officially been a month since I arrived here in Aimogasta and I am definitely feeling more in a routine and adjusted to life here. It really is a dream being here. And with that as well, we recieved another 20 missionaries from the US and so I was a little worried there would be some changes but I was so relieved to find out Elder Monday will be staying here for the next lil bit at least!! 

In addition to the great news of staying staying the same, there were some major highlights of new things this week before I get into our incredible amigos! 

Cosas Nuevas

We finally made it in our actual apartment or (pension as they call it) after being in the empty casita of a member since arriving. It was so generous of of the member and it was a pretty nice place but it is so nice to be where we are at now. We are right in the middle of town and as well we have a shower with water pressure!! Still cold water which honestly feels good when it's so hot and I'm constantly sweating, but not having to wait for the dripping water to fill my hands to splash is a huge step up in life. Not to mention we have this little patio thing out back and there is a grape vine, are you kiddingg?! You know the first thing I did was cut some off and pop them in the freezer. Its basically like coming home and eating popsicles after being in the sun all day. Another tender mercy is that we're within walking distances to the one supermarket here so today we were able to go and buy some actual groceries! Not to mention we found a couple spots that sell asado and pollo for super cheap and trated ourselves to so legit Argetine meat. Wow. It was life changing. Andd last food thing haha our amiga Analía made empanadas, the other Argentine delicacy, and they were absolutely incredible as well. The only bad thing was I think I drank some of the water the other day on accident and was feeling that for a day but I won't make that mistake again haha. Just all part of the experience. So many tender mercies and I haven't even gotten to the miracles with our amigos!! 

Amigos !! 

- Ivan y Analía. Still just so solid and my love for the grows by the day. They both shared their testimonies this week in some of the lessons we had, about the changes they have felt in there lives since meeting with us, and specifally as they've read the Book of Mormon daily. Some of the words they used to describe their feelings just loved - una alegria, paz, tranquilidad, and livianita. Basically light and happiness. I think I say this every week but the Book of Mormon this key to conversion and it truly changes lives and you study it daily. I have seen it in myself and time and time again as a missionary. They both were able to make it to church and had a great experience again with the members! We are praying everything goes well for their baptism this next Sunday!!!! 

- Gladys!! She has to as well be one ofnthe most elect people I've had the opportunity to teach. We went and taught her the first part of the Plan of Salvation and left her with 2Nefi2 to read, spefically because she had a question about Adam and Eve. We came back two days later and she had read through 2Nefi5 and then taught us all about everything from the creation to Adam and Eve and some more it was impressive. She made it to church as well and is so excited for her baptism on the 23rd.  

- Roni and Daiana! This couple happens to be the son of Gladys and brother of the recent convert son of Gladys. Another just absolutely golden couple. We were able to go and teach them twice and the Spirit was so strong. They were so intent, despite their 4 little kids running around all over. The second lesson they basically asked us to be baptized so they are now on date for the 6th of February!! It is another testament of the power of members and how they really are the way to find people who are ready. 

- Familia Arancibia! Last family we started teaching this week that really seems so golden as well! They are pretty religious already which is actually rare here but have been reading the Book of Mormon and are really interested! 

Pensamiento Espiritual 

Real quick to wrap this up! I had the opportunity to speak in church yesterday, and we had a new high of 18 people!! Elder Monday leaned over to me as we were about to start and said I've never been so happy to see so 18 people at church and I couldn't agree more haha. I shared 3 things we can do each and every single day to be converted the the Lord. They are simple but I know they are life changing as we do them consistently. They focus on our Savior and bring His power into our life. 

1. Read the Book of Mormon 

2. Personal Prayer 

3. Daily Repentance 

I'll just leave you with a few verses for each of these! 

Jacob 4:6

Alma 31:10 

Mosiah 26:30

Sorry struggling with the fotos again. Hopefully mi mamá can forward some! Love you all! 

Con amor, 

Elder Jackson