This Week Was Full Of Adventures

August 25, 2014

Hermana Pukahi, Hermana Nelson,
Hermana Hadley, Hermana Burgos.
All of us with our plaques.
It was a beautiful day and so fun.

Holllaaa!! This week was full of adventures. I took another trip to Bahía Blanca, but this time for my Visa!  At first I was kind of mad because we had a lot of appointments set and its a crazy long trip, buutt it was a lot of fun.  Hermana Nelson and I went together, but I took care of all the papers and stuff with a bunch of other missionaries, as she went and worked there in Bahía.  As all of us were all waiting in the visa office place-- talking about are lives, some sleeping, and then I realized...I brought my cards! I took out those bible cards that Jerm and Kristen gave to me and we all started playing Gold Fish and Old Maid. It was a lot of fun! Especially since we were all super tired, and competitive.  The ladies at that worked in the office LOVED the cards and they were like, wow where can I buy some for us? So I guess these cards are a craze down here haha.  

Well finally that got all taken care of and after a super long trip back home on the collectivo with some crazy Elders, we made it back safely...and very tired.  BUT the highlight of the week was this last pday!! It was a beautiful day and we went to this park/hill with one of my favorite Hermanas from the ward.  

At the park sign.

It was a lot of fun because everyone was outside and enjoying almost a Summer’s day in the middle of winter.  We had a little picnic and -- of course-- took tons of pictures. We got to do a little exploring in the hill and (I will show you a picture next week but I became mulan and sat on a pole!!)

Oh and I almost forgot, we had a big Zone Conference in Mar del Plata where Presidente, his wife, and the assistants came and talked to us.  Everything I learned was just what I needed to hear.  I know he is truly a man called of God.  

Hermana Nelson is awesome! 

I'm so grateful for her.  

She is an example to me in everyway   

AND she laughs at my jokes. haha 

I forgot my journal, so I can't remember a whole lot of what he said, but my favorite part was when we talked about our purpose here as a missionary.  It helped me to truly realize my purpose here, why I am here on a mission.  It made me think of you guys, my family.  Always remember your purpose here on the earth.  You are sons and daughters of God.  Remember you are here to learn and grow. Don't Forget. :)

I love you all so much!! Please tell me what's been going on with everyone! 

Hermana Pukahi

P.S.  I'm 3 now!!! It's already been 3 months!

I Can't Believe It, I am 2 Now!

July 28, 2014

Dear Family & Friends,

Hollaa!! I can't believe it, I am 2 now! It's already been two months...well only one month in Argentina.  But already another p-day.

This week I thought it was starting to get warm and then all of a sudden rain, and then back to sun, and then rain again.  Basically the weather here is bi-polar.  Exactly like Utah so hey! I'm not too far from home! Haha

There are some things here and there that remind me of Utah -- like how there are dogs EVERYWHERE, it's like I'm back at the animal shelter.  Except that these dogs are crazy.  They all love to go right up to the tires of cars and bark at them.  They love it, but it’s dangerous business because Argentines are even crazier drivers, soooo we see a lot of dogs get run over.... so I hate that!  But all dogs go to heaven, right?

This week my mission president came and visited our zone.  While we were each interviewed, Hna Parreño (his wife) talked to us.  What I understood, was wonderful and I really appreciate what she said.  She talked to us based on the talk by Elder Christofferson, "The Perception of the Sacred."  This talk is incredible and talks about our perception and our regard to sacred things.  He says it, straight to the point, "if you don't regard the sacred things, you will lose."  (Something like that...cuz I received it in Spanish)  He goes on to talk about -- if we had the plates, the plates of Mormon and the scrolls of Moses, in our hands.  We would all be very careful with them.  Put them in a special place, protected and treat it with the utmost respect. Right? 

Of course, the major value of these objects isn't of themselves; it's in the words that these object contain like their content, the words of the prophets.  We don't have these original plates and scrolls in our actual hands, but we have the words.  The words of God.  This is very serious.  And these words, these books, are sacred. 

Hna Parreño also went on to talk about the sacredness of our bodies. The temples of God.  She was very direct on tattoos and our appearance and at first I was taken back on why she was going into such detail about these things.... but after planning lessons for our investigators specifically about this subject, I now understand.  I have Christ's name on me at all times.  I am a representative of Christ more than ever in my life.  But, I also have been a representative since I became a member of this church at age 8.  I took upon me His name.  How I act, how I look, how I treat others. Everything as being a member of the church of JESUS CHRIST is about Him.  What an honor, and how sacred is this knowledge.  Remember that you always represent Christ in everything you do.  Satan is real, but hold onto that iron rod!

Like mom always says to us...when I obey I am happy all day.  I really worked on obedience this week and God truly blesses the obedient.  We found 3 big, wonderful families this past week -- all over the age of 8!! And we had SEVEN investigators at church yesterday!! Wow! What a beautiful week with amazing experiences. I love, love, love it! So happy see ----> :D this is a big smile and hug for all of you. I love you so much...more than this dulce de leche stuff they have here. Haha

Much mahalos for all the support!!

Con amor,

Hermana Pukahi