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January 11, 2010
Dear family,
Well... I’m still alive and still in my small town of Sarandi del Yi.
A few weeks ago, I lost the cable that goes to my digital camera. I can’t find it anywhere. This past week I’ve been looking everywhere in Uruguay to find a new one and no one seems to have one. The battery on my camera was very low, so I haven’t used it much. Then last night I really did something stupid. I looked at the charger for my DVD player and found that my camera had the same kind of plug on the side of it. I read the symbols and some of the information and every thing seemed like it was the same, so being over excited, I plugged my camera into this charger for the DVD player. After a few seconds I realized that the light for charging wasn’t coming on, so I disconnected it. I didn’t smell burned electronics and nothing made any funny noises, but now the camera will not even turn on. I pulled the battery out and there’s nothing wrong with it. I put it on my tongue and it has charge. I don’t know exactly what I did, but I think I destroyed my camera. I read into it a little further and found that the voltage for the DVD player is higher than that of my camera charger. It about brought me to tears, I’m so sorry. What do I do? Should I send you the camera? So for now, I can’t take pictures. If you want to email me back tonight that would be great. I’ll look at my email tomorrow. I’ll also include all the information on my camera in this email, so that you can look into it further for me. Thanks and yes I know, it was a really stupid thing to do.
I’ve had even more bad luck this week also. I’ll start with last Monday. After I got done emailing last week, we went and apologized to the sister who said we had offended her. Being stubborn, she said she was never offended by us, but that the ward had offended her. And she would no longer attend any meetings until the entire ward apologized. Yes it’s ridiculous, I know, but then she was in sacrament meeting yesterday!
On Monday night, I got a call from my district leader who asked me if I could do a special intercambio (exchange) with him in Trinidad the next day (Trinidad is about 25 miles west of Durazno). He was having some”issues” with his comp and needed some time off. So, I went to Trinidad. On my first night in Trinidad, we met with a lot of neat people, did several lessons and called it a night. I stayed with three other American elders; Elder Bullock from Orem, Utah (His dad is currently a mission president in Mexico); Elder Wally from Roy, Utah (He’s awesome and kept us entertained, but definitely a different kind of guy); and my district leader, Elder Thorderson from Salt Lake City, Utah. We had an awesome time and it was good for me to get away from my area for a while and have the opportunity to speak English. That night when Elder Thorderson and I came in from proselytizing, we both got kind of sick. Then I got really, really sick and wasn’t able to leave the house at all on Wednesday. On Thursday, we started to head back from Trinidad to Sarandi, about a two and a half hour trip. All I’m going to say is that I’m grateful that there was a bathroom on our bus going back. Once I arrived back in Sarandi, I laid in bed the rest of the day. During that day, my comp went out and proselytized with one of the members in the ward, while several other members of the ward took care of me. I received several blessings and I followed the directions of the mission doctor exactly. On Friday, I woke up and all my stomach pain and problems were gone. I’m much better now and can honestly say that I think it was a miracle that I was able to recover so fast. I was so grateful for all the people who took care of me and have really come to love and enjoy the people of the ward here in Sarandi. Friday I went out and had awesome experiences and a very good day of hard work. The same thing happened on Saturday and Sunday. I felt very good with the work we have had this past week and look forward with hope of progress for next week.
On Saturday, I think that the Lord wanted me to walk because my bike broke 5 times over. I have fixed as much as I can fix myself, but my wheels are both bent, my derailleur and my gears are all bound up and no longer function. I’m kind of mad right now that I didn’t just buy a new bike. When it broke and fell apart, it did just that, it broke and fell apart. I wasn’t jumping it or really riding rough. I have an odometer and it reads that I have ridden 700 kilometers in one month since I had it all repaired and made like new. This thing is just a money pit. What should I do Dad? I can go have it repaired again. That’s not a problem for me, but I think is going to cost me about a 1000 pesos (almost 50 dollars American and not reimbursable). I didn’t plan for this in my finances, so if I fix it, I will need your assistance. Yes, I know it’s always money with me. For now we’re walking. It’s been very tough because our area is so huge and we can’t go visit our investigators that live four kilometers out of town in a small housing complex until I get it fixed. So I’m going to do the best to get by for now, but let me know what you think.
We are working really hard and struggling to get our investigators to keep commitments. As I said earlier, I’m looking forward this week, with hope that all this hard work will pay off. Dad your email was perfect. Thank you so much, I really needed that. Our new mission president, President Da Silva wants us to attend the temple as missionaries and thinks it will help us with the work. Next week on the 20th, we are planning to go to the temple in Montevideo. I’m so excited; it will be my first time in the temple here in Uruguay. I’ll let you know how it was. Thanks for everything. Let me know what I need to do and if there’s any thing I need to do to help. I love you all and hope that you all have a safe and good week.
Love, Elder John P. Sluder
Note from Dad: I replied to John this evening. I told him not to worry about the small stuff that he can't do anything about. We will put some money into his account to fix the bike. We can replace the camera in a few weeks. No big deal.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
What a Way to Start a New Year!
January 4, 2009
Hello dear family,
Well, what a week I have had! How’s everything going in winter wonderland? Dad it sounds like everything is as it should be at home. Yes, I’m going to be very grateful and very excited to use your new snow blower when I get home!
This has been a strange week. I have experienced probably the worst and best experiences of my mission so far this week. I’ll start with the worst. I don’t want to write this, by-the-way sounding like I’m sad, so don’t think I am. Because really now I’m pretty much over it.
Last Monday night we held a large family home evening with two recent converts, an investigator, and a member of four years. When it was all over, the member of four years started complaining and then told me that Elder Vargas and I were the worst missionaries that she had ever come across. Then she started talking really bad about all the people in the ward and of course, it was all rumors. I really wouldn’t have taken too much offense to it, but with our new members and investigator present, I had to respond and defend our reputation. So I asked her how we as missionaries could help her solve her problems. She asked if we could visit her more often and help her have the spirit more in her life. Yes, I know, it’s kind of pathetic. After a person has been an active member for four years, they should know that through scripture study and prayer and being obedient to the commandments, you can have the spirit with you always. Well I agreed and set up an appointment with her Wednesday morning, thinking maybe my companion and I could help her out. In the meantime, I mentioned it to the Relief Society president and she informed me that this sister has had a lot of problems with missionaries in the past. The Relief Society President agreed to go along with us and maybe help us out. By this time, I really didn’t want to go visit her at all any more, but because we had made an appointment, I had no other choice. So we planned of a spiritual thought for her and on Wednesday morning we went and visited. We shared our spiritual thought with her and my companion and I both felt it was right and that we taught well and with the spirit like we were supposed to. After we finished, she criticized us and the Relief Society President and all the things in the ward. It brought the Relief Society President to tears. I ended it by telling this sister that we can no longer teach or be here because the spirit is gone and its time for us to leave. This is what “Preach My Gospel” says to do in this situation. Then yesterday, during fast and testimony meeting, this same sister stood to bear her testimony. She told the whole ward about this and said that the missionaries in the ward are horrible and that we don’t teach at all with the spirit. Wow, I really didn’t know what to do. My companion and I were very upset and very confused. After the meeting, we had about half the ward approach us and apologize for her. They let me know that she has done this same thing in the past with other missionaries. They all said that they were grateful for the missionaries and they hope this doesn’t stop or slow down the work.
After talking with the Mission President about this, he counseled that we need to go apologize for anything we may have done that has wronged her and after apologizing, to never go and visit her again. He will make sure that other missionaries will not visit her either. So today, after this email time, we’re going to go apologize. Rough. I know why a mission is a humbling experience now. I hate rumors and Relief Society drama. It destroys strong testimonies in the gospel and it’s sad to me that there is really nothing we can do for this sister any more. Ultimately, her pride is going to destroy her.
This week has also been super hot and humid. I’ve been sick off and on. New Years is such a big celebration, it seems everyone is too busy to talk to us. It has made the work incredibly difficult.
At the same time this week with all the difficulties, I have seen miracles. We have had a lot of breakthroughs and very spiritual lessons with our investigators, especially with one family in particular. This is a family named Menessis. For the whole time I have been in Sarandi, we have been teaching them. They really haven’t accepted our message and I never had much hope for them.
Well Saturday morning we sat down with the parents to share a spiritual thought. The father is a 5’ 8” tall man with a huge belly and he refuses to ever put a shirt on. He is usually a brick wall and I feel that he really doesn’t listen. Anyway, we mentioned something about life after death and I think it piqued something in his mind and he started to listen. He started to really ask some serious questions. Before I knew it, this man was holding on to me, sobbing like a baby. It was a bit strange, but he was very upset over the death of his brother and his children. I tried my best to console him and we assured him that we can all have families eternal. We set a baptism date with the mother and plan to set one with him next week. It was awesome! It helped me get through this tough week and stay focused on the work and what’s really important. I’m so grateful for my eternal family and the knowledge of this gospel that makes families eternal. I know that if I just do what’s right in this life, in the end all will work out. Thank you for all you do and have a wonderful week.
Love,
Elder John P Sluder
P.S. We are trying something new here in Sarandi. We’ve started a soccer league. We got permission to start the league this past week from the Bishop. Last week we had about 14 non members show up to the soccer concha at the church. Next week we expect even more. It is awesome and I hope that it can help us have more doors opened to us.
I didn’t touch one firework this past weekend. I’m very proud of myself! I did buy a DVD player with a screen last week. I’ve used it in five lessons this past week and I think it was worth every penny. It cost a little more than I expected, but I’m being super careful with it and trying to always keep it safe. Sorry for all the expenditures. Love ya… Happy New Year!
Hello dear family,
Well, what a week I have had! How’s everything going in winter wonderland? Dad it sounds like everything is as it should be at home. Yes, I’m going to be very grateful and very excited to use your new snow blower when I get home!
This has been a strange week. I have experienced probably the worst and best experiences of my mission so far this week. I’ll start with the worst. I don’t want to write this, by-the-way sounding like I’m sad, so don’t think I am. Because really now I’m pretty much over it.
Last Monday night we held a large family home evening with two recent converts, an investigator, and a member of four years. When it was all over, the member of four years started complaining and then told me that Elder Vargas and I were the worst missionaries that she had ever come across. Then she started talking really bad about all the people in the ward and of course, it was all rumors. I really wouldn’t have taken too much offense to it, but with our new members and investigator present, I had to respond and defend our reputation. So I asked her how we as missionaries could help her solve her problems. She asked if we could visit her more often and help her have the spirit more in her life. Yes, I know, it’s kind of pathetic. After a person has been an active member for four years, they should know that through scripture study and prayer and being obedient to the commandments, you can have the spirit with you always. Well I agreed and set up an appointment with her Wednesday morning, thinking maybe my companion and I could help her out. In the meantime, I mentioned it to the Relief Society president and she informed me that this sister has had a lot of problems with missionaries in the past. The Relief Society President agreed to go along with us and maybe help us out. By this time, I really didn’t want to go visit her at all any more, but because we had made an appointment, I had no other choice. So we planned of a spiritual thought for her and on Wednesday morning we went and visited. We shared our spiritual thought with her and my companion and I both felt it was right and that we taught well and with the spirit like we were supposed to. After we finished, she criticized us and the Relief Society President and all the things in the ward. It brought the Relief Society President to tears. I ended it by telling this sister that we can no longer teach or be here because the spirit is gone and its time for us to leave. This is what “Preach My Gospel” says to do in this situation. Then yesterday, during fast and testimony meeting, this same sister stood to bear her testimony. She told the whole ward about this and said that the missionaries in the ward are horrible and that we don’t teach at all with the spirit. Wow, I really didn’t know what to do. My companion and I were very upset and very confused. After the meeting, we had about half the ward approach us and apologize for her. They let me know that she has done this same thing in the past with other missionaries. They all said that they were grateful for the missionaries and they hope this doesn’t stop or slow down the work.
After talking with the Mission President about this, he counseled that we need to go apologize for anything we may have done that has wronged her and after apologizing, to never go and visit her again. He will make sure that other missionaries will not visit her either. So today, after this email time, we’re going to go apologize. Rough. I know why a mission is a humbling experience now. I hate rumors and Relief Society drama. It destroys strong testimonies in the gospel and it’s sad to me that there is really nothing we can do for this sister any more. Ultimately, her pride is going to destroy her.
This week has also been super hot and humid. I’ve been sick off and on. New Years is such a big celebration, it seems everyone is too busy to talk to us. It has made the work incredibly difficult.
At the same time this week with all the difficulties, I have seen miracles. We have had a lot of breakthroughs and very spiritual lessons with our investigators, especially with one family in particular. This is a family named Menessis. For the whole time I have been in Sarandi, we have been teaching them. They really haven’t accepted our message and I never had much hope for them.
Well Saturday morning we sat down with the parents to share a spiritual thought. The father is a 5’ 8” tall man with a huge belly and he refuses to ever put a shirt on. He is usually a brick wall and I feel that he really doesn’t listen. Anyway, we mentioned something about life after death and I think it piqued something in his mind and he started to listen. He started to really ask some serious questions. Before I knew it, this man was holding on to me, sobbing like a baby. It was a bit strange, but he was very upset over the death of his brother and his children. I tried my best to console him and we assured him that we can all have families eternal. We set a baptism date with the mother and plan to set one with him next week. It was awesome! It helped me get through this tough week and stay focused on the work and what’s really important. I’m so grateful for my eternal family and the knowledge of this gospel that makes families eternal. I know that if I just do what’s right in this life, in the end all will work out. Thank you for all you do and have a wonderful week.
Love,
Elder John P Sluder
P.S. We are trying something new here in Sarandi. We’ve started a soccer league. We got permission to start the league this past week from the Bishop. Last week we had about 14 non members show up to the soccer concha at the church. Next week we expect even more. It is awesome and I hope that it can help us have more doors opened to us.
I didn’t touch one firework this past weekend. I’m very proud of myself! I did buy a DVD player with a screen last week. I’ve used it in five lessons this past week and I think it was worth every penny. It cost a little more than I expected, but I’m being super careful with it and trying to always keep it safe. Sorry for all the expenditures. Love ya… Happy New Year!
Monday, December 28, 2009
The Work Continues
December 28, 2009
Hi Dad, Mom and family,
Hey what’s up? It was great talking to you on the phone for me also. Thanks for the money you put in my account. I really do appreciate it. They got a new ATM machine in Sarandi this past weekend, so I decided to try and use it this morning. Luckily it worked and I still have my card.
Dad thanks for the advice on the fireworks. I actually feel bad about the whole fireworks thing cause the rule in the missionary handbook says no fireworks. So I don’t plan to light any more off for my mission and neither do I plan to buy any. It’s really just a waste of money anyway. So thanks and yes I’m going to be really careful this New Years Eve.
After I got done talking to you on Friday, we went to visit the Barreto family. We were out on the street playing soccer and about two blocks up the way a man who was drunk tried to dart in front of a taxi on his motorcycle. Well the taxi driver had the right of way and I don’t really think he saw him. But needless to say, this man got hit pretty hard by the taxi. My companion and I watched the whole thing happen and immediately we ran to the accident. The man was about 50 years old, overweight and wasn’t wearing a shirt. Luckily he was wearing a helmet. He got really badly injured with road rash and a possible broken arm. So I did everything I knew I could do to assist this guy until the ambulance showed up. I was really careful cause I know with something like this, you can get a blood born sickness like hepatitis. So I really didn’t touch him. It really reminded me of my EFR training and was kinda fun. The ambulance crew said that they were surprised that I was able to help as much as I did.
Anyway a lot of people have been really sick in the ward these past few days, so every night we have been out late giving blessings and trying to help them as much as we can. Well anyways, yesterday in church I started feeling sick myself. Ever since then I have had stomach pains and dysentery. I have talked to the mission president and his wife and even the mission doctor, so I know I’m in good hands. I’m just taking it really easy and drinking lots of liquids. Besides these minor discomforts, things have been pretty good.
Thanks Dad for your letter to Paula Barreto, it was perfect! And yes, the grandfather of my companion is that guy, Miguel Rostaing. He actually died in an airplane crash with the rest of the Peruvian team and my companion’s uncle. At least that’s what my companion tells me.
I had no idea about the man on the flight with a bomb, that’s crazy! Yes, there are still things that are going on every day in this world that are crazy. It’s kinda scary, but I know that if we just live right and obey the commandments and try our hardest every day, in the end all will work out. Well, I love you all. Thanks for your support.
Your Son, Brother and Uncle
Elder John P Sluder
Hi Dad, Mom and family,
Hey what’s up? It was great talking to you on the phone for me also. Thanks for the money you put in my account. I really do appreciate it. They got a new ATM machine in Sarandi this past weekend, so I decided to try and use it this morning. Luckily it worked and I still have my card.
Dad thanks for the advice on the fireworks. I actually feel bad about the whole fireworks thing cause the rule in the missionary handbook says no fireworks. So I don’t plan to light any more off for my mission and neither do I plan to buy any. It’s really just a waste of money anyway. So thanks and yes I’m going to be really careful this New Years Eve.
After I got done talking to you on Friday, we went to visit the Barreto family. We were out on the street playing soccer and about two blocks up the way a man who was drunk tried to dart in front of a taxi on his motorcycle. Well the taxi driver had the right of way and I don’t really think he saw him. But needless to say, this man got hit pretty hard by the taxi. My companion and I watched the whole thing happen and immediately we ran to the accident. The man was about 50 years old, overweight and wasn’t wearing a shirt. Luckily he was wearing a helmet. He got really badly injured with road rash and a possible broken arm. So I did everything I knew I could do to assist this guy until the ambulance showed up. I was really careful cause I know with something like this, you can get a blood born sickness like hepatitis. So I really didn’t touch him. It really reminded me of my EFR training and was kinda fun. The ambulance crew said that they were surprised that I was able to help as much as I did.
Anyway a lot of people have been really sick in the ward these past few days, so every night we have been out late giving blessings and trying to help them as much as we can. Well anyways, yesterday in church I started feeling sick myself. Ever since then I have had stomach pains and dysentery. I have talked to the mission president and his wife and even the mission doctor, so I know I’m in good hands. I’m just taking it really easy and drinking lots of liquids. Besides these minor discomforts, things have been pretty good.
Thanks Dad for your letter to Paula Barreto, it was perfect! And yes, the grandfather of my companion is that guy, Miguel Rostaing. He actually died in an airplane crash with the rest of the Peruvian team and my companion’s uncle. At least that’s what my companion tells me.
I had no idea about the man on the flight with a bomb, that’s crazy! Yes, there are still things that are going on every day in this world that are crazy. It’s kinda scary, but I know that if we just live right and obey the commandments and try our hardest every day, in the end all will work out. Well, I love you all. Thanks for your support.
Your Son, Brother and Uncle
Elder John P Sluder
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Christmas Day Phone Call
We got a very short email from John this week. He was busy and we knew we were going to be able to speak on the phone. The phone call was really awesome. We were able to conference call the whole family together and just about everyone got to say hi and Merry Christmas to John. He demonstrated his Spanish speaking skills and amazed us all. It was good to hear his voice after four months. We are so proud of him and his progress as a missionary.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Change of Companions but Still in Sarandi Del Yi
December 15, 2009
Dear family,
How are things going for you? Wow! Christmas is already here and time is going so fast. This past week was very, very difficult. We had lots of rejection and lots of investigators who aren’t keeping commitments and having a whole lot of problems. I also had two pretty good bike wrecks this week, to but all is well and yes, I was wearing a helmet. (The Lord does look out for his missionaries.) But at the same time, there have been tons of miracles and I know that in the end, things will all work out.
Anyway, today is p-day because it’s the day of changes. So this is what is happening. Elder Vargas is no longer my companion. He is now my zone leader and was transferred to Durazno. Right now I am with Elder Moncada and we’re waiting for our new companions to arrive in Durazno. My new companion is named Elder Rostaing and he’s from Peru. That’s all I really know. Since I’m the only missionary in Sarandi who will know the people and the area, I will have a much bigger responsibility. So, I’m kinda nervous.
What’s nice is, I finally feel that my Spanish is good enough for this. They tell me that this change was very unusual and since President Da Silva is new, things have really been changing all over the mission. President Da Silva is awesome.
Anyway, life has been good to me. I have learned so much about the way people are in this world. It seems that every where there are a whole lot of really messed up people. The experience so far has been so great and awesome. And I’m so grateful to all of you guys for your encouragement and support. Thanks!
I hope you enjoy the pictures of Uruguay and Dad; I’m going to try to send my SD card out this week.
This week is going to be so crazy. Tonight, I will be going back to Sarandi Del Yi with my new companion. We have a few lessons planned and then tomorrow morning we have a planning meeting in Durazno, so I’ll get back on the bus for another hour and a half ride back to Durazno. Then on Friday, I’ve got to go into Montevideo for our Christmas reunion. I’m so excited; it’s going to be awesome.
But because of the bus schedule, I will have to spend the night in Durazno on Thursday to make the right bus for Montevideo on time. So yes, busy, busy week!
Hey Dad, I did make all of those transactions. All is well and they were all me. But I do need more money put in my account. I’m sorry, but things have been kinda expensive for me in the small town I’m in and I had more repairs. I’m trying so hard to be careful and not spend much at all. I did take more money out of my account out yesterday. It’s been hard cause of all my traveling. I receive reimbursement for all of the trips I take, but it takes several weeks before I see that money.
Anyways, love you all. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I’m so excited to talk to you all on Christmas. I will have about 45 minutes to talk, so I’m getting pretty excited. Love you all.
Elder John P Sluder
Dear family,
How are things going for you? Wow! Christmas is already here and time is going so fast. This past week was very, very difficult. We had lots of rejection and lots of investigators who aren’t keeping commitments and having a whole lot of problems. I also had two pretty good bike wrecks this week, to but all is well and yes, I was wearing a helmet. (The Lord does look out for his missionaries.) But at the same time, there have been tons of miracles and I know that in the end, things will all work out.
Anyway, today is p-day because it’s the day of changes. So this is what is happening. Elder Vargas is no longer my companion. He is now my zone leader and was transferred to Durazno. Right now I am with Elder Moncada and we’re waiting for our new companions to arrive in Durazno. My new companion is named Elder Rostaing and he’s from Peru. That’s all I really know. Since I’m the only missionary in Sarandi who will know the people and the area, I will have a much bigger responsibility. So, I’m kinda nervous.
What’s nice is, I finally feel that my Spanish is good enough for this. They tell me that this change was very unusual and since President Da Silva is new, things have really been changing all over the mission. President Da Silva is awesome.
Anyway, life has been good to me. I have learned so much about the way people are in this world. It seems that every where there are a whole lot of really messed up people. The experience so far has been so great and awesome. And I’m so grateful to all of you guys for your encouragement and support. Thanks!
I hope you enjoy the pictures of Uruguay and Dad; I’m going to try to send my SD card out this week.
This week is going to be so crazy. Tonight, I will be going back to Sarandi Del Yi with my new companion. We have a few lessons planned and then tomorrow morning we have a planning meeting in Durazno, so I’ll get back on the bus for another hour and a half ride back to Durazno. Then on Friday, I’ve got to go into Montevideo for our Christmas reunion. I’m so excited; it’s going to be awesome.
But because of the bus schedule, I will have to spend the night in Durazno on Thursday to make the right bus for Montevideo on time. So yes, busy, busy week!
Hey Dad, I did make all of those transactions. All is well and they were all me. But I do need more money put in my account. I’m sorry, but things have been kinda expensive for me in the small town I’m in and I had more repairs. I’m trying so hard to be careful and not spend much at all. I did take more money out of my account out yesterday. It’s been hard cause of all my traveling. I receive reimbursement for all of the trips I take, but it takes several weeks before I see that money.
Anyways, love you all. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I’m so excited to talk to you all on Christmas. I will have about 45 minutes to talk, so I’m getting pretty excited. Love you all.
Elder John P Sluder
Monday, December 7, 2009
A Slow Week and Some New Pictures
December 7, 2009
Dear family,
How are you all doing? I’m sure you’re great.
Well I’m in Durazno today. We are having a zone activity and earlier today we went to the zoo. Zoos here in South America are much different than America... much more ghetto. I’ll try to include some pictures for ya.
I’m really missing the snow right now! Sorry dad I don’t have any investigators or stories that have been significant enough to mention, maybe next week. Glad to hear that YESCO is doing well and has work, that’s so great!
Time has been going so fast… Wow! At the end of every day I can’t believe how fast the day went. Well next Tuesday is the day of change. I won’t know until Sunday night if my area or my comp will be changing, but Tuesday is our next p-day. Don’t be expecting an email from me until then. I love you all so much, thanks for all.
Love you all,
Elder John Sluder
Dear family,
How are you all doing? I’m sure you’re great.
Well I’m in Durazno today. We are having a zone activity and earlier today we went to the zoo. Zoos here in South America are much different than America... much more ghetto. I’ll try to include some pictures for ya.
This has been a pretty slow week. No baptisms scheduled and no plans for baptisms. We have been contacting like crazy this week and really have had no luck, just rejection, so that’s been tough. But I am having a ton of fun and learning new things every day. My Spanish is getting much better, but I do still struggle with understanding people who mumble their Spanish.
Well dad, I didn’t buy a bike. I went to the bike shop and picked one out, went to pay for it and my card didn’t work. So we ran down to the bank to check my account and the money was in there, but it wouldn’t let me withdraw the amount that I needed. So I took this as a sign and didn’t buy the bike. Well, I guess I really couldn’t. So instead, I bought a new helmet, a new watch, some ice cream and dinner for me and my companion. When we got back to Sarandi Del Yi the next day, we went to the bike shop and I had them replace a ton of stuff on my old bike… all the bearings, new tires, and new cambios (gear shifters). So it has the appearance of an old junky bike but, to be honest, it rides like a new bike and I’m very satisfied. I will be using this bike my entire mission and it was much cheaper.
I’m really missing the snow right now! Sorry dad I don’t have any investigators or stories that have been significant enough to mention, maybe next week. Glad to hear that YESCO is doing well and has work, that’s so great!
Time has been going so fast… Wow! At the end of every day I can’t believe how fast the day went. Well next Tuesday is the day of change. I won’t know until Sunday night if my area or my comp will be changing, but Tuesday is our next p-day. Don’t be expecting an email from me until then. I love you all so much, thanks for all.
Love you all,
Elder John Sluder
Nice picture... but what does it mean???
I'm guessing that this is a picture of John's zone, but I'm not really certain.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
First Baptism and a New Bike
November 30, 2009
Dear Dad, Mom and family,
What a week… let me tell ya!
My bike is really falling apart. I need to buy a new one that will last my whole mission. Last week when I went to my district meeting in Durazno, I also went bike shopping. The average price for a decent bike is between 250 and 350 American dollars. They don’t have Wal-Mart here. Can I spend this much on a bike? There is a very good chance that tomorrow in my district meeting in Durazno, I will receive my debit card. So while I’m in Durazno, can I have your permission to buy a new bike? I feel I really do need it. If so, you will need to put some money into my account to cover the expenses. I love you. It’s a great Christmas gift. Ha-ha-ha.
Well anyway, last night was the election of the new president in Uruguay. The winner is a guy named Pepe Mujica. He’s a lot like Obama, so I’m not too happy, but the people were sure partying in the streets last night.
I had my first baptism ever in my entire life last night. I had to do it twice because the first time I didn’t get his name correct. His name is Luis Rodolfo Zaidan Ogando! It was very difficult and yes, all in Spanish!
The work’s been great here. I am so glad to hear that you had a great Thanksgiving. I miss you all and love you a lot. Dad, if you can respond ASAP to my email that would be great. Sorry for any inconvenience.
Love, your son
Elder Sluder
Note from Dad: I responded to John’s request with some advice, telling him to be frugal and not over do it. We did put enough money into his account to cover the cost of a new bike. Later in the day I received this short note:
Dad,
Thank you for your advice. I appreciate it and do respect it. When I go to Durazno tomorrow, I will try to do what is right and what the Lord wants me to do. Thank you very much. I love you and appreciate all that you do. And Mom… happy birthday! Sorry I couldn’t be there to celebrate it in person.
Love, your son
Elder Sluder
P.S. The people in the picture from left to right are: Elder Vargas, Hermano Barreto, Daniel Haverio, Luis Zaidan and me. Love ya.
Note from Dad: John apparently did find a bike since his debit card was charged the next day!
Dear Dad, Mom and family,
What a week… let me tell ya!
My bike is really falling apart. I need to buy a new one that will last my whole mission. Last week when I went to my district meeting in Durazno, I also went bike shopping. The average price for a decent bike is between 250 and 350 American dollars. They don’t have Wal-Mart here. Can I spend this much on a bike? There is a very good chance that tomorrow in my district meeting in Durazno, I will receive my debit card. So while I’m in Durazno, can I have your permission to buy a new bike? I feel I really do need it. If so, you will need to put some money into my account to cover the expenses. I love you. It’s a great Christmas gift. Ha-ha-ha.
Well anyway, last night was the election of the new president in Uruguay. The winner is a guy named Pepe Mujica. He’s a lot like Obama, so I’m not too happy, but the people were sure partying in the streets last night.
I had my first baptism ever in my entire life last night. I had to do it twice because the first time I didn’t get his name correct. His name is Luis Rodolfo Zaidan Ogando! It was very difficult and yes, all in Spanish!
The work’s been great here. I am so glad to hear that you had a great Thanksgiving. I miss you all and love you a lot. Dad, if you can respond ASAP to my email that would be great. Sorry for any inconvenience.
Love, your son
Elder Sluder
Note from Dad: I responded to John’s request with some advice, telling him to be frugal and not over do it. We did put enough money into his account to cover the cost of a new bike. Later in the day I received this short note:
Dad,
Thank you for your advice. I appreciate it and do respect it. When I go to Durazno tomorrow, I will try to do what is right and what the Lord wants me to do. Thank you very much. I love you and appreciate all that you do. And Mom… happy birthday! Sorry I couldn’t be there to celebrate it in person.
Love, your son
Elder Sluder
P.S. The people in the picture from left to right are: Elder Vargas, Hermano Barreto, Daniel Haverio, Luis Zaidan and me. Love ya.
Note from Dad: John apparently did find a bike since his debit card was charged the next day!
My first baptism!
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